Daijiworld Media Network - Maihar
Maihar, Dec 30: A tragic road accident on National Highway-30 in Madhya Pradesh’s Maihar district claimed four lives and left at least 12 people seriously injured, officials said on Tuesday.
The mishap occurred on Monday evening near Tiloura village under the jurisdiction of Nadan police station. A passenger vehicle carrying members of the Patel family from Padariya village in neighbouring Katni district rammed into the rear of a container truck at high speed.
Although the crash was not a head-on collision, the force of impact was devastating, police said. The front portion of the passenger vehicle was completely crushed, leading to chaos at the scene. Three occupants died on the spot, while several others suffered grievous injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Chhonga Patel (60), a resident of NKJ Padariya in Katni, Jitendra Payasi (24), Santlal Patel, and another passenger whose identity is yet to be confirmed. Police said one woman succumbed to injuries while being taken to hospital, and the fourth victim died later in Katni.
The injured include Jagdish Patel, Ram Sahay Patel, Ram Pratap Patel, Mangi Bai Patel, Shyam Sundar Patel, Om Patel, Krishna Patel, Satybhan Patel, Sant Lal, Satyam Patel and Maim Patel. The condition of at least five of them is reported to be critical, prompting concerns that the toll may rise.
According to officials, the victims were travelling to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh to immerse the ashes of a deceased family member, a sacred Hindu ritual. All passengers belonged to the same extended Patel family, making the accident particularly devastating for the community.
Following the incident, a police team from Nadan rural police station rushed to the spot. With the help of local residents, officers carried out a rescue operation, cutting through the mangled vehicle to free those trapped inside.
The injured were first taken to Maihar Civil Hospital for emergency treatment. After initial medical care, five critically injured persons were referred to the district hospital in Satna, while others were shifted to Katni for specialised treatment.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act. An investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary findings indicate that overspeeding may have been a key factor, though officials are also examining the role of visibility and possible mechanical issues.