Bhopal: At least 14 people were killed and 20 others injured after a pick-up van overturned and fell into a ditch during the wee hours of Thursday in the Dindori district in Madhya Pradesh, some 460 km from Bhopal.
After the accident, most of the injured were admitted to a primary health center in Shahpura and one critically injured was transferred to Jabalpur.
According to available information, approximately 35 people were onboard the pick-up van when it overturned while navigating a steep turn and fell into a 20 feet deep trench.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the Dindori road accident.
Murmu, on her X account, condoled the loss of lives in the Dindori road incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, expressed grief over the loss of lives. He also wished speedy recovery for those injured in the accident.
Further, the PM announced an ex-gratia for the victims: Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of the deceased and the injured would be given Rs 50,000, the Prime Minister's Office said.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the mishap in Dindori, MP. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/15gyTtPM5X
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 29, 2024
CM Dr Mohan Yadav, while expressing deep sorrow, announced Rs 4 lakh compensation to each of the deceased's families and Rs 1 lakh each to those injured in the mishap.
A probe has been ordered though the cause of the accident is likely to be ascertained only after the post-mortem reports are available.
CM Yadav also said that cabinet minister Sampatiya Uike rushed to the spot of the accident and then to the primary health center in Shahpura, Dindori to take stock of the situation and meet the families personally.
Uike said health officials have been directed to provide all facilities to the injured. "Our primary concern is to ensure proper treatment. We have announced that we will provide an additional Rs 20,000 each to the injured persons from the red cross/district administration fund," she said.
Police said the driver, Ajmer Tekam, was arrested. DIG (Balaghat range) Mukesh Kumar Shrivastava said the police investigation into other minute details of the incident was underway.
The van was registered in the name of Ajmer Tekam’s wife.
Among the deceased are 8 women, and 6 men, including one 16-year-old.