Maihar, Dec 30 (NationPress) Tragically, four individuals lost their lives and 12 others suffered serious injuries in a devastating road accident on National Highway-30 in Maihar district, as confirmed by officials on Tuesday.

The incident took place on Monday evening near Tiloura village, within the jurisdiction of the Nadan police station, when a speeding passenger vehicle, transporting members of the Patel family from Padariya village in the neighboring Katni district, collided with a container truck.

Although the collision was from behind and not head-on, the force was intense enough to create chaos at the scene. Police reported that the passenger vehicle struck the rear of the truck with great power, severely damaging the front end of the passenger vehicle.

Three occupants were killed instantly, while 12 others incurred injuries.

The deceased have been identified as Chhonga Patel (60) from NKJ (New Katni Junction) Padariya; Jitendra Payasi (24) and Santlal Patel from Katni, with another victim still unidentified.

The injured include Jagdish Patel, Ram Sahay Patel, Ram Pratap Patel, Mangi Bai Patel, Shyam Sundar Patel, Om Patel, Krishna Patel, Satybhan Patel, Sant Lal, Satyam Patel, and Maim Patel.

Authorities have reported that the condition of at least five of the injured remains critical, raising concerns that the death toll may increase. Most of the injured have been transferred to Katni for advanced medical care.

According to officials, one woman passed away en route, while the fourth unidentified passenger died in Katni.

The group was traveling to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh for the immersion of ashes, a significant Hindu ritual marking the final rites for a deceased family member. This journey, intended for closure, turned into a profound tragedy for the extended Patel family.

All victims hailed from Padariya village. Upon receiving news about the accident, personnel from the Nadan rural police station, led by the station in-charge, swiftly arrived at the scene.

With the support of local residents, they initiated an intensive rescue operation to free individuals trapped in the wreckage of the severely damaged passenger vehicle.

The rescue efforts involved cutting through twisted metal to reach the victims.

All injured were quickly transported to Maihar Civil Hospital for initial treatment. After administering first aid, the five critically injured individuals were referred to the district hospital in Satna for further medical attention.

Police have filed a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act.

An investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the precise cause of the incident, including the potential roles of speeding, poor visibility, or mechanical failure. Preliminary reports indicate that excessive speed may have contributed to the accident.