Damoh, April 3 (IANS) In a tragic road accident, two young cousins lost their lives after a speeding truck rammed into their motorcycle while they were returning with a cooking gas cylinder on the Damoh-Pathariya road.​

The victims have been identified as Jay Srivastava (son of Sandeep Srivastava), a resident of Teen Gulli, Damoh, and Prabal Srivastava (son of Pradeep Srivastava), a resident of Pathariya. ​

Both were returning from collecting a gas cylinder when the accident occurred near Khojakhedi between Damoh and Pathariya.

According to police, a speeding truck hit their motorcycle from behind with tremendous force, throwing both youths onto the road. They sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the District Hospital in Damoh by local residents. ​

However, doctors at the hospital declared both dead on arrival.​

The two deceased were cousins and were riding together on the motorcycle with the gas cylinder.​

Speaking to IANS, an investigation officer of Damoh (Rural area) said it was a very sad and unfortunate incident. ​

He explained that the truck driver hit the motorcycle and fled the scene without helping the victims. ​

The police have registered a case of rash and negligent driving, and causing death by negligence.​

The police are examining CCTV footage and collecting eyewitness accounts from the area. They have yet to ascertain if it was a head-on collision as none of the victims is alive to give a statement. ​

The officer noted that carrying a heavy gas cylinder on a motorcycle is extremely risky, especially at night.​

He added: “The impact of the collision was so severe that both youths had no chance. We appeal to the public not to carry heavy or hazardous items, such as gas cylinders, on two-wheelers. It endangers not only their lives but also those of others on the road.”​

Police have initiated a detailed investigation and are scanning the route for possible CCTV evidence to identify the runaway truck. ​

A case has been registered against the unknown truck driver under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Motor Vehicles Act.​

–IANS

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