A devastating road accident on National Highway-30 in Madhya Pradesh's Maihar district has resulted in four fatalities and left more than a dozen individuals injured. The tragic collision occurred late on Monday night when the vehicle carrying the victims rear-ended a container truck.
Details of the Maihar Highway Tragedy
The accident took place near Tilora village in the Nadan area. According to police reports, the victims were travelling in a vehicle that held approximately 20 passengers. The group was on a pilgrimage from Katni district to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. Their purpose was to attend the Magh Mela, which begins on January 4, and to take a holy dip at the Sangam.
Following the impact, the driver of the container truck reportedly fled the scene. Police authorities have confirmed that a manhunt is underway to trace the absconding driver. A case has been registered, and an investigation has been launched into the precise causes of the collision.
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
The collision proved immediately fatal for two individuals. Dhonga Patel, aged 50, and the car driver, Jitendra Pyasi, 24, died on the spot. The toll rose as two women succumbed to their injuries during medical transit and treatment. One woman died while being referred to a hospital in Katni, and another passed away during treatment at the hospital.
Local residents and police personnel quickly rushed to the accident site to provide assistance. The injured passengers were shifted via ambulances to medical facilities for urgent care. They were admitted to Maihar Civil Hospital and the district hospital. Medical officials have stated that the condition of 12 injured persons remains critical, highlighting the severity of the crash.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The incident has cast a shadow over the pilgrimage community and raised serious concerns about road safety on the busy national highway. The police investigation will focus on determining the factors that led to the rear-end collision. The search for the truck driver is a top priority for the authorities, who are working to establish accountability for the tragic event.
This accident underscores the perils of long-distance road travel, especially during festival seasons when many undertake pilgrimages. It serves as a somber reminder for all road users to exercise extreme caution.
