Bhopal, April 3 – In a tragic road accident, two young men lost their lives and four others, including a 14-year-old child, sustained serious injuries when an SUV lost control and crashed into the boundary wall of a marriage garden on Ranipur Road in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh.
The accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. as the SUV was travelling from Sarni towards Betul on the Sarni State Highway.
According to reports, the SUV was moving at high speed when the driver lost control – likely due to slippery road conditions caused by rain – and crashed directly into the boundary wall of Man Mandir Lawn. The impact was so forceful that a large section of the wall collapsed.
The deceased have been identified as: Prafull Thoke (25), son of Anil Thoke, and Puneet Thakre (25), son of Prayag Thakre. Both men died on the spot, police officials said.
The injured include: Pappu Mohan (23), Prajapati Raju (26), Abhishek (26), and Sangam (14). All six victims were residents of the Arjun Nagar area in Betul.
The SUV reportedly belonged to a government office. Eyewitnesses rushed the injured to the district hospital in Betul, where they are currently receiving treatment. Some are reportedly in critical condition.
"Upon receiving information about the accident, a police team immediately reached the spot. We have initiated a detailed investigation into the cause. CCTV footage from the area clearly shows the Bolero speeding before the crash. Preliminary findings point towards excessive speed combined with wet road conditions as the main reasons. We are examining the vehicle’s condition, the driver’s role, and other possible factors," said Devkaran Dehariya, investigation officer of Betul Kotwali Police Station.
Police sources further commented that such accidents are becoming frequent on this stretch due to high-speed driving during night hours, especially when the road turns slippery during rain.
"Young drivers often underestimate the dangers of wet roads. We appeal to all motorists to reduce speed in adverse weather and strictly follow traffic rules," the officer said.
The police have registered a case and are continuing their probe. The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to their families after formalities.