8 killed, 34 injured in road accident

The victims were on their way to Chandi Darbar temple near Chicholi when their vehicle overturned near Khaparwadi village, about 65 kms from the district headquarters, after the driver lost control over the wheels, police said.

Around 45 passengers were travelling in the ill-fated vehicle.

Betul's Superintendent of Police (SP) Lalit Shakyawar left for the spot soon after getting information about the accident.

The victims belonged to Jhapdi village under Beejadehi police station areas.

Five of the deceased were identified as - Antram Dhurve (50), Kanak Dhurve (50), Guddan Bai (40), Karulal Dhurve (40) and Sumantra Bai (35) - the SP said, adding efforts were on to identify the others who died in the accident.

The injured were admitted in the Chicholi government hospital and four who sustained serious injuries were referred to Betul District Hospital.

Betul Collector B Chandrashekhar said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh each to the kin of the deceased, Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured persons and Rs 25,000 each to those who suffered minor injuries in the accident.