A tragic road accident in Madhya Pradesh's Narmadapuram district claimed five lives and left several others injured on Tuesday. The collision involved a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a tractor on a state highway near the village of Barkheda, about 30 kilometers from the district headquarters.
Details of the Accident
The incident occurred around 8:30 AM when the SUV, carrying a family of eight, collided head-on with a tractor coming from the opposite direction. The impact was so severe that the SUV was completely mangled, and three occupants died on the spot. Two more succumbed to injuries at the district hospital. The injured, including the tractor driver and two children, are undergoing treatment at a local medical facility.
Response and Rescue Operations
Local villagers rushed to the scene and alerted the police. A rescue team arrived shortly after and extricated the trapped victims from the wreckage using cutting equipment. The injured were transported to Narmadapuram District Hospital, where doctors described the condition of two as critical.
Police Investigation has been initiated, and the bodies have been sent for post-mortem. Preliminary reports suggest that the SUV driver lost control while overtaking another vehicle, leading to the collision. The tractor driver, who sustained minor injuries, is being questioned.
Previous Accidents in the Region
This stretch of highway has been notorious for accidents due to its narrow width and lack of dividers. Local residents have repeatedly demanded safety measures, including speed breakers and better lighting. In a similar incident last year, three people died in a truck-auto rickshaw collision on the same road.
Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution and follow traffic rules. The district administration has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
