HYDERABAD: Seven pilgrims returning to Hyderabad from the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj died on the spot when an out-of-control truck rammed their minibus at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh around 8.30 am on Tuesday. Two grievously injured pilgrims were rushed to the Jabalpur Medical College for treatment.
Eight of the victims were residents of Raghavendranagar in Medchal-Malkajgiri district while another was from Nacharam in Rangareddy district, police told TNIE.
The victims were identified as Anand Kansari, Shashi Kansari, Ravi Vaishya, TV Prasad, Mallareddy, V Santosh, and Raju, while S Naveenacharya and Balakrishna Shriram were hospitalised with multiple fractures. The victims were either related or friends.
As per the Jabalpur district administration, the accident took place near a canal between Mohla and Bargi villages. The truck veered into the wrong lane due to a burst tyre and rammed into the minivan.
Sihora town inspector Vipin Singh told TNIE: “The cement-laden truck veered onto the other side of the road due to a burst tyre and collided with the minibus, which was travelling at high speed. The truck driver fled the spot. We have formed teams and expect to arrest him soon.”
Families of victims inconsolable
Stating that the condition of the injured was “better”, the inspector said that their families have been informed. The truck bore a Madhya Pradesh registration number, while the minibus was registered in Andhra Pradesh.
“The minibus was sandwiched between the truck and the railing of the culvert over a canal in Majholi town under Sihora police station area, leading to the loss of seven lives. The two pilgrims injured in the mishap have been hospitalised,” Jabalpur district Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyaya said.
“A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder (unintentional killing) has been lodged against the truck driver, who is absconding,” Upadhyaya added.
Meanwhile, the families of the victims were inconsolable. V Santosh’s mother wept, “I lost my son. What can I say? I have two grandchildren who went to the hostel a few days back. God should have taken me instead of my son.”
She said that she had spoken to Santosh late on Monday. “He told me that he had taken the holy dip and started from Prayagraj. I told him to be careful while coming as there was no hurry. I called him again at 7 am, but he did not answer. When my elder daughter called, he told her that they had stopped for tea. That was the last time we spoke.”
Two ambulances are bringing the bodies, which are expected to reach Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock and ordered officials to make arrangements to provide the best possible treatment to the injured.
Meanwhile, passersby came to the victims’ rescue after the accident and pulled them out of the minibus before police began rescue operations.
As per reports, the passengers in an SUV right behind the minibus escaped with their lives as the airbags in the vehicle deployed.