11 September,2026 10:28 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced ex-gratia for the Nanded accident victims. File pic
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a road accident in Maharashtra's Nanded district and announced financial assistance for the families of those killed and injured in the crash.
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each person who died in the accident. The injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.
The Prime Minister's Office shared Modi's statement on social media platform X.
"Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Nanded, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM Narendra Modi."
The accident took place around 7 p.m. on Thursday near Sitakhandi Ghat on the Nanded-Bhokar road, according to police officials.
At least six people were killed and eight others were critically injured after a passenger van travelling from Nanded towards Bhokar collided head-on with a truck. The impact severely damaged the van, leaving it mangled.
Residents in the area rushed to the accident site after the collision and helped rescue people trapped in the wreckage. The injured were later taken to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment.
Police identified five of the deceased as Syed Almas of Bilal Nagar in Bhokar, Sheikh Firoz of Bhokar, Pandurang Laxman Waghmare and his wife Laxmibai Pandurang Waghmare of Syed Nagar, and Balwan Pawar of Potatanda village in Taluka Hadgaon. The identity of one other deceased person has not yet been established.
Several of the injured were reported to be in critical condition, officials said.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the collision. Officials are examining how the passenger van and truck came into contact on the road.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether road conditions, visibility, vehicle speed, mechanical failure or any other factor contributed to the accident.
The crash occurred on the day of the Pola festival and triggered panic in the area. Police and rescue teams reached the spot and began rescue operations while also managing traffic.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
(With inputs from IANS)
