12 labourers killed, 20 injured as van overturns, crashes into SUV in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar

NEW DELHI: Twelve labourers were killed and 20 others injured after the pickup van they were travelling in overturned and collided with an SUV in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district on Wednesday night, officials said.The accident took place between 8:30 pm and 9 pm. According to preliminary information, about 35 labourers were returning home from Baggad when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The van then overturned and struck the oncoming SUV.Dhar district’s in-charge collector, Abhishek Choudhary, said all the victims died on the spot, while those critically injured were referred to Indore after initial treatment.Police have registered a case and begun an investigation into the incident.Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 for the injured.Madhya Pradesh chief Minister Mohan Yadav also expressed condolences and announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.Yadav added that officials, including the Indore Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General, have been directed to visit Dhar and ensure proper treatment of the injured, which will be provided free of cost.(With PTI inputs)