The death toll in a tragic head-on collision between a van and an SUV in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district has risen to 15, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The accident occurred late Tuesday night on the Indore-Ahmedabad highway near the village of Kharwa.
Details of the Accident
According to police, the van was carrying a group of pilgrims returning from a religious site when it collided head-on with a speeding SUV. The impact was so severe that both vehicles were completely mangled. Rescue teams rushed to the spot and pulled out the injured, who were taken to nearby hospitals.
Casualties and Injuries
As of Wednesday morning, 15 people have been confirmed dead, including 12 from the van and three from the SUV. Over a dozen others are injured, with five in critical condition. Doctors at the district hospital said they are battling to save the critically injured.
District Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh visited the site and announced an ex gratia of Rs 25,000 each to the families of the deceased. He also assured that the injured would receive free treatment.
Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the SUV was speeding and may have lost control, leading to the head-on collision. The driver of the SUV is among the deceased.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed grief over the incident and directed officials to provide all possible assistance to the victims' families. He also urged people to drive carefully and follow traffic rules.
