Dindori, April 12 (IANS) In a tragic road accident early on Sunday, five people, including the driver of a pickup truck, were crushed to death, and one person was critically injured on the Jabalpur-Amarkantak National Highway near Kikratalab village under Gadasarai police station limits in Madhya Pradesh’s Dindori district.

The incident occurred around 1.00 a.m. when a group of villagers from the area was returning home in a pickup truck. Near Kikratalab village, the pickup suffered a sudden tyre puncture. The driver stopped the vehicle on the roadside, and all occupants got out to help change the tyre.

While they were standing beside the highway, a speeding truck coming from the opposite direction lost control and ploughed straight into the group, crushing them under its wheels.

Five men died on the spot, while one sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a hospital.

The deceased included the pickup truck driver and four other villagers. The truck driver involved in the fatal crash abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene, triggering a massive manhunt by the police.

The deceased have been identified as Rajkaran (35), Bihari (50), Pawan Maravi (35), Bisahu Dhrive (58) and a son of Bihari whose name is yet to be known. All of them were returning from a “Chowk” ritual in Silyari to their villages, Paraswah and Ufri.

Another victim, Kanhaiya, received injuries, and he has been admitted to Gadasarai hospital.

All of the victims were family members who lived in different villages, police said.

Superintendent of Police and other senior administrative officials immediately reached the spot. Police have registered a case and launched an intensive search to nab the absconding driver.

Preliminary investigation suggests that excessive speed was the primary reason behind the accident. Local residents expressed shock and grief over the incident. Many pointed out the recurring danger on this stretch of the national highway due to heavy vehicle movement during night hours and poor lighting in certain sections.

Dindori police officials said they were thoroughly investigating the matter. The driver who fled had been identified, and teams have been formed to arrest him at the earliest.

The officials have also appealed to people to avoid standing on highways at night and ensure proper parking and warning signs in case of breakdowns.

The injured person is undergoing treatment, while the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem. The families of the victims are in deep mourning, and the entire village is plunged into sorrow.

–IANS

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