Six members of a DJ band were killed and seven others injured after a wheat-laden 16-wheeler truck crashed into their stationary mini goods vehicle at Markatola Ghat on National Highway-30 in Chhattisgarh’s Balod district on Friday morning.
The truck dragged the smaller vehicle for nearly 30 metres before overturning, police said.
The accident took place near the Purur area when the group was travelling from Kabirdham district towards Jagdalpur. The mini goods vehicle was carrying 15 people along with their musical instruments when it broke down at Markatola Ghat.
Two members of the group had travelled to Dhamtari in search of a mechanic when the truck, which was also headed towards Jagdalpur from Raipur, crashed into the stationary vehicle from behind.
The force of the collision pushed the mini goods vehicle for around 30 metres before the truck overturned.
Several victims became trapped beneath heavy sacks of wheat that spilled from the truck. Two people died at the scene, while four others later succumbed to their injuries during treatment at Dhamtari District Hospital.
Seven injured people were subsequently referred to Raipur for further medical treatment.
Police said the truck driver fled the scene following the accident and efforts were underway to locate and apprehend him.
The crash disrupted traffic at Markatola Ghat as police and rescue teams worked to remove the overturned truck, damaged goods vehicle and spilled wheat sacks from the highway.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the deaths and directed officials to ensure that the injured receive proper medical care. He also offered condolences to the families of those who died and said the state government stood with those affected by the tragedy.
