Daijiworld Media Network - Gwalior

Gwalior, Feb 21: At least five people lost their lives and seven others were injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a van on a National Highway in Bhind district during the early hours between Friday and Saturday, police reported.

The accident occurred between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. near Chhikma village under the jurisdiction of Gohad Police Station. The impact was severe, completely crushing the van and trapping several passengers. Four people died on the spot, while a fifth succumbed to injuries after being taken to hospital.

The van was reportedly travelling from Gwalior to Bhind, while the bus was coming from the opposite direction. Rescue teams from Gohad police station transported the injured to hospitals in Bhind and Gwalior.

Police identified two of the deceased as Atul Shivhare and Jagdish Bhadauria, both Bhind residents, while efforts continue to identify the remaining victims. The injured include Ketu (10), Santosh (37), Pradeep (22), Mewaram (61), Ramlakhan (59), Meera (61), and Sukhveer (50), with at least two in critical condition and referred to Gwalior district hospital.'

Preliminary investigations indicate that the collision occurred at a highway turn. Overspeeding by the bus and low visibility due to dense fog in the Gwalior-Chambal region are suspected to have contributed. Both vehicles have been removed, traffic restored, and further inquiry is ongoing.