India: At least 14 killed, 20 injured after pick-up van overturns in Madhya Pradesh

At least 14 people lost their lives and 20 were wounded after a pick-up vehicle lost control and overturned in the Indian state ofMadhya Pradesh.

The wounded were immediately rushed to Shahpura Community Health Centre after the incident that occurred in MP's Dindori district on Thursday (Feb 29).

The accident occurred near Badjhar Ghat at around 1:30 am when the vehicle's driver lost control of the wheel.

The victims had gone to Amhai Devri village to participate in a programme in the district's Shahpura block and were returning when the incident took place.

After being informed of the accident, the Dindori collector and superintendent of police rushed to the site to help the victims, as per news agency PTI.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister's Office released a statement expressing condolences for the loss of lives in the untoward incident, saying, "Dr. Mohan Yadav has expressed deep condolence over the loss of many precious lives in a vehicle accident in the Dindori district...Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to be given to the kin of the dead. Instructions have been given to the district administration for proper treatment of the injured."

Yadav also announced an assistance of Rs 4 lakh (approx $4,823)each to the kin of the ones who lost their lives in the accident.

Yadav instructs high-level probe in Dindori accident, says MP Minister

A state minister said that CM Yadav had ordered a high-level probe into the incident and strict punishment for the guilty.

"We all are pained and our government expresses condolences over the accident. I am here as a representative of the Government...This is a major accident...We stand with the bereaved families in this hour of grief... The CM has announced a compensation of Rs 4 Lakhs each for the family of the deceased. From the District Administration, we have announced Rs 20,000 each for their families," the minister said.

She further said, "The CM has given directions for a high-level inquiry of the accident and strict punishment for the guilty. The driver has been detained by the police and action will be taken."

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and PM Modi express grief

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the ones injured in the accident.

"The news of several casualties in a road accident in Madhya Pradesh's Dindori district is extremely painful. I express my condolences to the bereaved family members. I pray that all the people injured in this accident get well soon," the President wrote on X.

The Vice President posted on X, "Deeply pained by the loss of lives in the tragic accident at Badjhar ghat in Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. May they find strength and support during this difficult time."

"The road accident that happened in Madhya Pradesh's Dindori is very sad. My condolences are with the bereaved family. May God provide strength to the family in this hour of grief. Along with this, I wish speedy recovery of all the injured people. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in all possible assistance to the victims," the Prime Minister's office posted on X.

"14 persons died and 20 injured after a pick-up vehicle lost control and overturned at Badjhar ghat in Dindori. Injured people are undergoing treatment at Shahpura Community Health Centre," said Dindori Collector Vikas Mishra.

(With inputs from agencies)