At least three people, including a man and his son, were killed and three others injured after a pick-up truck carrying devotees crashed into a tree near a temple in Madhya Pradesh's Bhind district on Tuesday morning, police said.
The accident occurred around 5:30 am near the ancient Dandraua Hanuman Temple on the Mau-Mehgaon Road. The deceased were identified as Pritam Singh Manjhi (55), his son Sunil (27), and Upendra Rana (38). Three others who sustained injuries are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Gwalior.
According to Mehgaon Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Sanjay Kocha, the pick-up truck was carrying eight people when it lost control and crashed into a roadside tree, resulting in the immediate death of three occupants. A woman and a child traveling in the vehicle were reported to be safe.
The victims, all residents of Gwalior, had visited the temple and were preparing to travel to a cattle market in Uttar Pradesh. Police have sent the bodies for post-mortem and initiated an investigation. Preliminary information suggests that the driver may have been speeding, causing the loss of control.
Details of the Accident
The tragic incident took place early Tuesday morning near the Dandraua Hanuman Temple, a popular religious site. The devotees had completed their visit and were heading to a cattle market in Uttar Pradesh when the accident happened. The pick-up truck, carrying a total of eight individuals, veered off the road and collided with a tree, leading to the fatalities.
Victims and Injuries
The deceased include Pritam Singh Manjhi, his son Sunil, and Upendra Rana. The injured persons are receiving medical care in Gwalior. Authorities have confirmed that a woman and a child traveling with the group were unharmed. The police are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Police Investigation
Mehgaon SDOP Sanjay Kocha stated that the driver's excessive speed is believed to be a contributing factor. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further legal proceedings are underway. The police are also examining the vehicle to ascertain any mechanical failures that may have led to the accident.
Community Response
The local community has expressed shock and grief over the incident. The temple authorities have offered condolences to the families of the deceased and assured cooperation with the investigation. The accident has once again highlighted the need for road safety measures, especially on routes frequented by devotees and during early morning hours.
