Gwalior, Nov 16 (NationPress) In a tragic incident, five young men, all close friends, lost their lives in a horrific road accident on the Gwalior-Jhansi Highway in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday morning, as reported by officials.

The devastating crash occurred around 6:00 a.m. near Malwa College when a speeding Fortuner SUV collided with a tractor-trolley laden with sand, leaving no survivors. All victims hailed from Gwalior.

Law enforcement stated that the Fortuner was en route from Jhansi to Gwalior when the accident transpired. Just as it neared Malwa College, a tractor-trolley approached from a turn onto the highway.

The SUV, reportedly traveling at excessive speeds, lost control, leading to a catastrophic collision.

In a statement to IANS, DSP Nagendra Singh Sikarwar (Crime) remarked, “The impact was so intense that half of the Fortuner was crushed beneath the trolley, instantly trapping and killing all five young men.”

The wreckage highlighted the severity of the crash, with airbags deployed in vain, as noted by the DSP.

When inquired about the possibility of reckless driving, the senior police officer indicated, “A vehicle like the Fortuner would not sustain such damage unless it was traveling over 120 km per hour. Tragically, all the occupants were under 25 years old, and some were the only sons in their families.”

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, aided by local residents. They utilized cutting tools to free the bodies from the mangled wreckage of the SUV and tractor-trolley.

The recovery operation was arduous, as the vehicle was nearly unrecognizable. The deceased were later sent for post-mortem examinations, and an investigation has commenced to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.

The victims were identified as Kshitij alias Prince Rajawat, Kaushal Bhadoria, Aditya Pratap Singh Jadon, Abhimanyu Singh, and another individual whose name is yet to be confirmed.

Preliminary findings indicated that the group, all friends, were returning from a birthday celebration in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, when the tragedy occurred. What began as a joyful occasion ended in heartbreak, leaving families and the community devastated.

Witnesses recounted a chaotic scene, with the highway temporarily closed as rescue operations unfolded. Authorities have detained the tractor driver for questioning, and a case has been lodged to investigate factors including speeding, road conditions, and potential negligence.