Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi

Belagavi, Feb 24: In a tragic incident, six individuals from Karnataka lost their lives in a road accident in Madhya Pradesh while returning from the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The accident occurred near Pahrewa village under the Khitoula police station limits in Jabalpur district.

The victims, who hailed from Gokak, had traveled to Prayagraj for the holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela. They were returning in a car when the accident took place on Monday, February 24 morning. Out of the eight people in the car, six died on the spot, while two others sustained serious injuries and were admitted to a local hospital.

The deceased have been identified as Balachandra Gowdar, Sunil Shedashale, Basavaraj Kurni, Basavaraj Doddamani, Eeranna Shebinakatti, and Virupakshi Gumatti. The injured, Mustaq and Sadashiva, are undergoing treatment at Jabalpur Medical College after receiving initial care at a facility in Sihora town.

According to Jabalpur Collector Deepak Saxena, the car, which was traveling at high speed, first hit a road divider and then collided with a tree before crashing into a private bus coming from the opposite direction. The impact of the collision resulted in the immediate death of six occupants.

The bus driver fled the scene after the accident, and efforts are underway to trace the vehicle. District officials and senior police officers rushed to the spot upon learning about the incident and initiated an investigation.

The victims were returning to Karnataka via Jabalpur after attending the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.