A tragic road accident in Balaghat claimed three lives of the same family after a moving car lost control, fell into a pit and caught fire late Saturday night. Two others sustained injuries in the accident. The incident occurred in the midnight near Keolari Chowk on the Baihar - Malajkhand route. According to police, the fire spread rapidly, leaving the traveller with little time to escape. The deceased have been identified as Nagarachi Kelkar (65), Savita Kelkar (28) and three-year-old Abhi Kelkar. Savita was Nagarachi’s daughter-in-law while Abhi was his grandson. Two others Sitam Kelkar (30), who was driving the car and Nana Bai Kelkar (60) sustained serious burn injuries and have been referred to a hospital in Gondia, Maharashtra for treatment where their condition is reported to be critical. Onlookers informed that passersby rushed to the spot and broke the car windows to rescue the travellers.

 

Three people were pulled out, including an 8-year-old girl, Purvi Rahangdale, who escaped completely unharmed. Police informed that Sitram Kelkar was returning to Pauni (Malajkhand), where he runs a welding shop, from his native village Pondi in Paraswada. He had visited his hometown three days earlier with his family and was traveling back with his parents, wife, son and a neighbour’s child when the accident occurred. Additional SP, Adarshkant Shukla informed that the bodies have been sent to Baihar hospital for post-mortem and an investigation has been initiated. SHO, Jayant Marskole confirmed that the vehicle, a petrol car, was completely gutted, making it difficult to identify its registration number and model. Fire brigade teams from Malajkhand municipality managed to control the blaze, but by then, three occupants had been charred to death. Police suspect that the driver may have dozed off, leading to the accident, though statements from the injured are yet to be recorded as they remain in ICU.