killed, four critical in Scorpio–truck collision near Masura toll plaza

 

 

 

At least six people were killed and four others critically injured when a packed sport utility vehicle (SUV), carrying 13 passengers, collided with a stationary truck near the Masura toll plaza late Tuesday night. The victims, all residents of Bade Dongar village, were returning home after watching the film ‘Maati’ in Kondagaon.

 

The accident occurred around midnight when the Scorpio SUV rammed into the parked truck. The impact was severe, leaving the SUV’s front portion completely mangled. Three occupants died on the spot. According to police sources, the injured were initially rushed to Kondagaon District Hospital. They were later referred to the Medical College Hospital in Jagdalpur, where three more succumbed to their injuries during the night.

 

Police confirmed the dead bodies have been sent for postmortem. Five of the six deceased have been identified as Lakhan Madvi, Bhupendra Madvi, Rupesh Madvi, Nutan Manjhi, and Shatrughan Manjhi, all aged between 25 and 35. The identity of one body is yet to be established. Four other passengers sustained grievous injuries and remain critical, undergoing specialised care in Jagdalpur.

 

A villager told media that all 13 occupants belonged to two families who had traveled together for watching the movie, plunging the people of Bade Dongar into deep mourning. Local residents have long raised concerns about congestion and safety hazards near the Masura toll plaza. They allege that unauthorised makeshift eateries and food stalls operate on both sides of the road, despite regulations prohibiting commercial activity within 500 meters of a toll gate.

 

Residents claim these stalls often force vehicles to halt abruptly, increasing accident risk, especially at night. Police have registered a case against the truck driver and initiated an inquiry to determine the exact circumstances, including whether negligence or improper parking contributed to the fatal crash.