Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Six Friends on Madhya Pradesh Highway
Fatal Incident on National Highway-45
In a heartbreaking incident, six friends lost their lives when a speeding truck struck them while they were standing by the roadside on the Jabalpur-Bhopal National Highway-45 in the Narsinghpur district of Madhya Pradesh, as reported by local authorities on Monday.
The group was returning from a visit to the Hathinala Waterfall, and the tragic event occurred near Indira Nagar under the jurisdiction of the Suatla police station on Sunday evening.
According to police reports, the friends had paused around 6 p.m. to take selfies when the truck, traveling at high speed, collided with them and then fled the scene.
Four individuals died instantly, while two others succumbed to their injuries later that night during medical treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Rajendra Patel, Virendra Lodhi (20), Rampal Singh Lodhi (21), Jaipal Singh Lodhi (30), Akash Singh Lodhi (24), and Neeraj Singh Lodhi (25), all hailing from Pavla village in Jabalpur district. Two additional victims remain unidentified.
Additional Superintendent of Police Sandeep Bhuria confirmed that the group was taking photos after their picnic when the accident occurred.
"The Hyva truck struck the group, and the driver fled the scene. A case has been filed, and teams are working to locate the suspect," Bhuria stated.
Initial investigations indicate that the group had parked their vehicle and was capturing moments near the roadside when the truck hit them. Local residents rushed to assist after hearing their cries for help and alerted the police.
The injured were transported to a hospital, where two later died from their injuries.
ASP Bhuria mentioned that police are reviewing CCTV footage from the accident site and surrounding areas to identify the truck and its driver.
"We are analyzing the footage and gathering evidence from the scene. We aim to apprehend the driver as soon as possible," he added.
The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations before being returned to their families. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.