Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 18: At least 13 people were killed and around 20 others injured after a tempo carrying guests to an engagement ceremony met with a major accident on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway in Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Monday evening.

The accident occurred near Dhanivari village when an Eicher tempo carrying around 30 to 40 passengers was allegedly hit by a speeding container trailer coming from the opposite direction.

According to preliminary reports, the collision took place around 4 pm while the passengers were travelling towards Gujarat for a family engagement function. Officials said the trailer rammed into the left side of the tempo with great force. A motorcycle also reportedly came under the impact of the collision.

Police, local authorities and rescue teams rushed to the spot soon after the accident and launched rescue operations.

The injured passengers were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Fourteen injured persons were admitted to Vedanta Hospital in Dahanu, while others were taken to Kasa Sub-District Hospital. Some victims are said to be in critical condition.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the tragedy and announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those who died in the accident.

He also directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and said the state administration was closely monitoring the situation.

Authorities identified the deceased as Suresh Ratna Lakhat, Pandu Ganpat Lakhat, Kalu Govind Lakhat, Sunil Arjun Dandekar, Chima Govind Kurhada, Namita Vitthal Dandekar, Sarika Santosh Lakhat, Ayush Sitaram Lakhat, Sagar Namdev Shende, Vandana Shivram Valvi, Saloni Shivram Valvi, Ajay Ahadi and Riyanshi Santosh Lakhat.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.