Truck hits 3 buses returning from BJP rally in MP; 15 dead, 50 injured

As many as 11 people died on the spot and four others succumbed to injuries in a nearby hospital. The death toll is expected to rise further.

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) | Updated: 25 February, 2023 12:09 pm IST
Collision was so strong that two buses were pushed into a roadside 10-feet deep gorge

At least 15 people died and 50 others were injured in a major road accident involving three buses and a bus when they were returning from Union home minister Amit Shah’s rally in Madhya Pradesh on Friday night.

The three buses carrying BJP supporters were parked alongside the Churhat-Rewa National Highway when a speeding truck hit them from the behind in Sidhi district.

As many as 11 people died on the spot and four others succumbed to injuries in a nearby hospital. The death toll is expected to rise further.

The victims were returning from a rally organised to mobilise the support of the Kol community on the occasion of Shabri Mata Janm Jayanti in Satna district, ahead of the state Assembly elections scheduled for later this year.

Thousands of people from the Kol community were ferried in about 1670 buses to the rally venue from adjoining districts.

The collision was so strong that two buses were pushed into a roadside 10-feet deep gorge while another overturned on the highway at 9 pm, eyewitnesses told media persons.

The truck was carrying cement and it also overturned after the collision.

Passengers were being served tea and snacks at a roadside dhaba near Barkhada village under Churhat police station.

Expressing grief at the unfortunate accident, home minister Shah tweeted, “The road accident in Sidhi (MP) is very sad. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. Treatment is being provided to the injured by the administration. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakhs for the families of the victims.

CM Chouhan rushed to the hospital and met the injured in Rewa. Speaking to media persons, he said that the government would airlift those in critical condition to other hospitals for better treatment.

Also Read Story

Elon Musk brings son to Trump meeting, sparks work-life balance debate

AstraZeneca partners with Qure.ai to contribute in early Lung Cancer detection with AI

Lung Health & Oncology Conference 2024 calls for community action, technological advancement in cancer care

Elon Musk raises alarm over children’s safety with tweet