8 killed, dozen injured in SUV-truck collision in MP's Sidhi
What's the story
A horrific truck-SUV collision claimed the lives of eight people and injured 13 others in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh early Monday.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Gayatri Tiwari said the accident happened at around 2:30am near Upni petrol pump on Sidhi-Bahri Road.
The SUV, a taxi service carrying family members, was on its way to Maihar when it collided head-on with a truck heading to Bahri from Sidhi.
Casualties
Seven victims perished at the scene
According to Tiwari, seven of the SUV's passengers died on the spot in the collision.
Superintendent of Police Ravindra Verma confirmed that nine out of the 13 injured were shifted to Rewa for advanced medical care. However, one critically injured victim succumbed to their injuries there.
The remaining victims are receiving treatment at Sidhi district hospital.
Driver detained
Investigation launched into the Sidhi accident
The truck driver has been detained.
Verma said the SUV occupants were headed for a "mundan" (tonsuring) ceremony when the unfortunate mishap happened.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the SUV was approaching from the wrong direction, resulting in the tragic collision.
An additional superintendent of police would head a team investigating all angles of the accident, confirmed SP Verma.
CM's response
Financial assistance announced for victims' families
CM Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the tragic incident.
He said aid of ₹2 lakh each from the chief minister's discretionary fund will be given to the families of those killed in this road accident.
₹1 lakh each will be given to those seriously injured and ₹50,000 each to other injured persons, he said in a statement