At least three individuals lost their lives, and two others sustained severe injuries when the vehicle they were traveling in collided with a stationary crane on the highway linking Itarsi and Betul. The tragic incident occurred between 3 a.m. to 3:30 near the Basant Petrol Pump on Itarsi Road in the Kotwali police station area. Initial reports from the police indicated that a speeding car crashed into a parked crane, resulting in the front half of the car being completely crushed.
Upon notification, Betul Kotwali police promptly arrived at the scene and rescued the individuals trapped in the vehicle, requiring the use of a cutter machine for the rescue operation. Three individuals succumbed to their injuries on-site, while the two critically wounded were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital in an ambulance. Both injured persons are in critical condition and are currently on ventilator support.
The car involved in the accident carried a total of five occupants who were friends returning from a restaurant when the tragedy unfolded. The deceased have been identified as Hrithik Solanki (30), Vinay Prajapati (21), and Abhay Thakur (22), all residents of different areas. The injured parties were recognized as Deva Pandey (32) and Akash Pal (30), currently receiving medical treatment at the district hospital.
Authorities confirmed that the bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, with the victims’ families duly notified. A case has been registered, and an investigation into the incident has been launched by the police.
