Maharashtra: Three killed, seven injured as speeding jeep crashes into tree in Nanded

Representational image. File pic

Three people were killed and seven others seriously injured after a speeding jeep carrying a group of people from neighbouring Telangana crashed into a roadside tree in Maharashtra's Nanded district, police said on Tuesday.

The accident took place at around 6 pm on Monday at Totamba forest ghat in Kinwat tehsil, officials said.

According to police, all the victims were residents of Pardi village in Nirmal district of Telangana. The group had travelled to Nanded during the day to visit a waterfall and a temple. They were returning towards their home in Telangana when the accident occurred.

Jeep crashes into roadside tree

Police said the jeep was travelling through the Totamba forest ghat when its driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle. The jeep reportedly veered off the road and crashed into a large roadside tree with considerable force.

The impact of the collision was severe and the vehicle was completely mangled, leaving several passengers trapped inside.

After the accident, local residents rushed to the spot and helped rescue passengers who were trapped in the damaged vehicle. Emergency assistance was subsequently arranged and the injured passengers were taken for medical treatment.

Three passengers killed

The deceased have been identified as Tum Sailu, 60, Tum Gourabai, 60, and Awala Gangadhar, 55, police said.

Seven other passengers sustained serious injuries in the crash. They were given preliminary medical treatment before being shifted to a hospital in Kubeer, Telangana, for further treatment.

Police officials said the injured passengers are undergoing medical care and further information about their condition is awaited.

Investigation underway

Police have started an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the accident. Preliminary information indicates that the driver allegedly lost control of the jeep while travelling through the forest ghat.

Officials are examining other possible factors that could have contributed to the crash, including the speed of the vehicle and road conditions.

The accident occurred on a hilly and forested stretch, where motorists have to negotiate difficult terrain and turns. Police are collecting relevant information as part of the investigation.

Further details regarding the accident and the condition of the injured passengers are awaited.

(With inputs from PTI)