Chhindwara, Jun 22 (IANS) Five labourers killed and at least eighteen others critically injured in a road accident on Monday morning when a pickup truck overloaded with labourers collided head-on with a truck on the Chhindwara-Betul National Highway near Temani Khurd village.

The crash, which occurred around 10 AM, left at least five people dead and around 18 others injured, several of them critically, police officials said. According to eyewitnesses and police, the impact was so severe that the pickup truck was completely mangled, with its wheels and parts blown away.

Bodies of the victims were scattered across the road, and rescue teams had to collect remains in pieces in some cases. The horrific scenes triggered cries and chaos at the spot as locals rushed to help. The deceased and victims have yet to be identified.

The district administration has yet to confirm exact number of persons who lost their lives and identity of those who are critically injured. The pickup was carrying a large group of labourers, including women.

Among the deceased are three women. Injured workers were immediately shifted to Chhindwara District Hospital with help from locals and ambulance services. At least 16 of them have been admitted to the ICU, with multiple fractures and head injuries reported, police sources said. Doctors are closely monitoring their condition as the death toll may rise.

Additional District Magistrate Dhirendra Singh reached the hospital to oversee treatment and support. Police and administrative teams arrived promptly at the site and initiated rescue and relief operations. Preliminary investigations point to high speed and a frontal collision as the primary causes.

The truck driver has been detained, and further probe is underway to determine exact circumstances, including possible overloading and road conditions. This tragic incident highlights the persistent dangers on Madhya Pradesh’s highways, where overloaded vehicles and reckless driving often lead to fatal accidents.

— IANS

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