Wheat truck crashes into stalled mini-van, killing six and injuring seven in Chhattisgarh

Around 11.30 am on Friday, a wheat-laden 16-wheel truck traveling from Raipur toward Jagdalpur collided with a stalled mini-goods vehicle on National Highway-30 at Markatola Ghat in Balod district, Chhattisgarh. The mini-van, carrying a dhumal music band of 15 members and their instruments, had broken down and two occupants were away seeking a mechanic in Dhamtari when the truck struck it from behind, dragging the vehicle roughly 30 metres before toppling.

Heavy sacks of wheat trapped several passengers; two people died instantly and four more succumbed to injuries at Dhamtari district hospital. Seven others were injured and transferred to Raipur for treatment. Police reported that the truck driver fled the scene and efforts are underway to locate him. The victims were en route from Kabirdham district to Jagdalpur.