A group of pilgrims from Hyderabad returning from the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, today met with a fatal road accident on their way home.
The accident occurred when the minibus they were traveling in was hit by a lorry at around 8:30 am near Sihora in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
There were 14 people in the minibus at the time of the accident, and seven died on the spot. Other pilgrims trapped inside the minibus were rescued by locals. The injured were shifted to Sihora Hospital, and two of them are said to be in critical condition.
Upon receiving information, the local police rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.
The deceased were residents of Kartikeya Nagar and Raghavendra Nagar in Nacharam.
Eyewitnesses reported that the accident occurred when the lorry, carrying cement, entered the wrong lane on the highway.
The registration number of the vehicle involved in the accident was reported as AP29 W1525. Based on the number, the police suspected that the victims were from Andhra Pradesh. However, further evidence confirmed that the deceased were residents of Nacharam, Hyderabad.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the tragedy and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. He directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care.