Eighteen people died on the spot while 17 others were injured, when a crowded multi-utility pick-up van carrying the passengers rammed into a roadside tree and overturned on Ambikapur-Sitapur main road, in Surguja district, on Tuesday.
The incident occurred at lalmati village near luchkighat, about 25 km from Ambikapur, at around 10 am, the Surguja Superintendent of Police, Sundarraj P, told The Pioneer.Majority of the deceased were women and minors who suffered multiple head injuries and died on the spot. The tragic incident has sent a wave of shock in the entire northern belt of the State. The victims belonged to poor families of Surguja region.
The pick-up van was heading towards Pratappur from Ambikapur. After reaching luchkighat, the driver lost control over the speedy vehicle and smashed into a roadside tree after which it overturned.All the 17 injured have been admitted to Ambikapur district Government hospital. The condition of majority of them is said to be critical.CM Raman Singh has expressed serious grief over the mishap and instructed the local authorities to rush all support to the injured. The Congress party has also grieved at the tragic incident.