Bhopal/Katni, June 14 (IANS) Three people were killed and 19 passengers were injured on Sunday in a severe head-on collision between a passenger bus and a truck near the Lamtara Overbridge in the Kutthla police station area of Katni district in Madhya Pradesh.

The accident has sent shockwaves across the region, with scenes of chaos and distress at the accident site and the district hospital.

The incident occurred when a bus travelling from Vijayraghavgarh to Katni approached the overbridge and collided with an oncoming truck.

The impact was so intense that passengers were thrown around inside the bus, leading to immediate panic and cries for help at the spot.

The truck tragically ran over a woman passenger, mutilating her body and killing her on the spot. Three passengers died on the spot, while 19 others sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to the district hospital by ambulances, where doctors are treating them. The condition of two passengers remains critical, according to hospital sources.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep grief over the tragedy. In a post on X, the CM described the incident as heartbreaking. He announced that the state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Instructions have also been issued for the proper treatment of the injured passengers, with Rs 1 lakh assistance to be given to each seriously injured person.

Collector Ashish Tiwari assured that all necessary support is being extended to the victims and their families.

Police officials reached the spot immediately after receiving information and initiated rescue operations.

The bodies of the deceased were recovered and sent for post-mortem, while the injured continue to receive medical care.

Police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest possible negligence or high speed, though a further probe is underway. Senior officers are supervising the case.

–IANS

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