Daijiworld Media Network- Bhopal

Bhopal, Apr 22: In a devastating incident, eight members of a single family lost their lives and six others sustained injuries after their vehicle plunged off a bridge into a dry riverbed in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district on Tuesday.

The tragedy unfolded around 10:15 am near Simri village in the Nohata police station limits, when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle near the Sunar River bridge. The vehicle, carrying 15 passengers, fell off the bridge and crashed onto the rocky terrain below.

According to police, the victims hailed from Jabalpur district and were reportedly returning from a visit to a local "vaidya" (Ayurvedic practitioner) for herbal treatment. There is speculation that they may have also paid homage at a local deity's shrine.

Among the deceased were five sisters from the same family, along with a niece and a young grandson. Six of the victims died at the scene, while two children, aged 8 and 10, succumbed to injuries later at the Damoh District Hospital.

The injured were initially treated at the local hospital before being transported to Jabalpur Medical College via a specially arranged green corridor to ensure timely medical intervention.
Investigating officer Arvind Singh confirmed that post-mortem examinations were conducted at Jabera Hospital, after which the bodies were handed over to the respective families.

This heartbreaking incident forms part of a series of tragic road mishaps across Madhya Pradesh. Just a day earlier, six people were killed and three injured in another accident on the Jabalpur-Raisen road following a wedding celebration.

Police investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the Damoh accident and whether any negligence contributed to the fatal plunge.