Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal
Bhopal, Mar 10: In a devastating road accident, at least eight people lost their lives and 13 others sustained severe injuries when a sports utility vehicle (SUV) collided head-on with a truck in the early hours of Monday near Opni Petrol Pump on Sidhi-Bahri Road in Madhya Pradesh. Among the casualties was also a goat that perished in the mishap.
The tragic incident occurred around 2.30 am under the City Kotwali area of Sidhi district. The SUV, carrying 21 passengers, was en route from Matihani for a Mundan Sanskar (tonsuring) ceremony when the collision took place. The impact was so severe that several occupants suffered critical injuries. The injured were rushed to the nearest hospital, and nine among them, in critical condition, were later referred to Rewa Medical College for advanced treatment.
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lac each for the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lac each for the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Taking to his official X handle, the Chief Minister wrote, "Very sad news has been received about the untimely and tragic death of eight passengers in a horrific road accident near Upni village in Sidhi district late at night in a horrific collision between a passenger vehicle going to visit Maihar Mata and a truck. My deep condolences are with all the bereaved families.”
Senior officials from the district and police administration swiftly reached the accident site, ensuring immediate medical assistance for the injured. Authorities have since launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest that high speed and negligence may have played a role in the tragic collision.
The victims have been identified as members of the Sahu family from Deori and Pandaria Bahri village. The deceased include five women and three men. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination.
The local administration is closely monitoring the situation as families mourn their irreparable loss.