15 killed, 5 hurt in road mishap in Maha; PM condoles death

MUMBAI: Fifteen labourers were killed and at least five were severely injured when the truck carrying them overturned near Kingaon village in Yaval taluka of Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district in the early hours of Monday. Seven men, six women and two children lost their lives in the accident. According to the highway traffic police, the truck, which was also carrying papayas, was on its way from Sakri in Dhule district to Raver in Jalgaon district when the accident took place.

Police officials said the truck driver lost control over the wheel because of potholes. “The truck was taking a steep turn when it overturned and the labourers were crushed under the papayas,” said a police officer. The driver of the vehicle has also sustained minor injuries and is being treated at a rural hospital along with the other injured labourers. Police said he will be arrested by the Yaval police after being discharged from the hospital. A case of accidental death has been lodged and further investigation is on, they said. “Since the accident took place a few minutes after midnight, the rescue operations were delayed. The injured have been admitted and are receiving treatment,” said a police officer.

PM Narendra Modi has mourned the loss of lives and prayed for an early recovery of those injured. “Heart-wrenching truck accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest,” the PMO tweeted on Monday.