February 24, 2025: In a tragic incident, six devotees lost their lives and two others were critically injured after their speeding jeep collided with a private bus in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district on Monday morning. The victims were returning from the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, officials said.

According to the police, the deceased belonged to Gokak taluka in Belagavi district of Karnataka. They had embarked on their journey to the religious congregation on February 18.

The fatal accident occurred near Pahreva village under Khitoula police station limits when the Karnataka-registered jeep lost control. Jabalpur Collector Deepak Saxena stated that the vehicle first struck a tree on the road divider before veering onto the opposite side of the highway and colliding with a bus.

Six individuals died on the spot, while the two injured were initially treated at a medical facility in Sihora town before being referred to Jabalpur Medical College for advanced care. The victims were on their way back to Karnataka via Jabalpur when the incident took place.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bus driver, after briefly stopping at the accident site, fled with his vehicle. Authorities have launched an investigation to trace the bus and determine further details.

Senior officials, including the district collector and superintendent of police, rushed to the scene upon receiving news of the accident.

The deceased have been identified as Balachandra Gowdar, Sunil Shedashale, Basavaraj Kurni, Basavaraj Doddamani, Eeranna Shebinakatti, and Virupaksha Gumatti. The injured, Mustaq and Sadashiva, are currently undergoing treatment.

Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution while traveling on highways to prevent such tragic accidents. Further investigations are underway.