Dindori, April 12 (NationPress) A devastating road incident occurred early Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including the driver of a pickup truck, and leaving one person in critical condition on the Jabalpur-Amarkantak National Highway near Kikratalab village, within the jurisdiction of Gadasarai police station in Madhya Pradesh's Dindori district.

The tragic event took place around 1:00 a.m. when a group of locals was traveling home in a pickup truck. As they approached Kikratalab village, the vehicle suffered an unexpected tyre puncture. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and all passengers exited to assist in changing the tyre.

While they were standing alongside the highway, a fast-moving truck coming from the opposite direction lost control and rammed into the group, trapping them beneath its wheels.

Five individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while one person was seriously injured and transported to a nearby hospital for urgent care.

The victims included the pickup truck driver and four other villagers. The driver of the truck involved in this fatal incident abandoned his vehicle and fled, prompting a large-scale manhunt by law enforcement.

The deceased have been identified as Rajkaran (35), Bihari (50), Pawan Maravi (35), Bisahu Dhrive (58), and a son of Bihari, whose name has not yet been confirmed. All were returning from a “Chowk” ceremony in Silyari to their respective villages, Paraswah and Ufri.

An additional victim, Kanhaiya, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Gadasarai hospital.

According to police reports, all victims were relatives residing in different villages. Senior administrative officials, including the Superintendent of Police, promptly arrived at the scene. Authorities have filed a case and initiated an intensive search for the fleeing driver.

Initial investigations indicate that excessive speed was a major contributing factor to the accident. Local residents expressed their shock and sorrow regarding the incident, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with this stretch of national highway, particularly due to heavy vehicle traffic during nighttime and inadequate lighting in some areas.

Dindori police officials stated they are conducting a thorough investigation. The driver who fled has been identified, and teams have been organized to apprehend him swiftly.

Officials are also urging the public to refrain from standing on highways at night and to ensure proper parking and warning signs in the event of a breakdown.

The injured individual is currently under medical care, while the deceased bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. The families of the victims are engulfed in grief, and the entire community is mourning this tragic loss.