Bhopal: Three children of a family were killed and five others injured after a speeding truck collided with an e-rickshaw near Matguwa petrol pump on Bijawar Road in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district on Sunday.

The victims were returning home when the accident took place, leaving the vehicle badly mangled and triggering panic at the spot.

Children from Same Family Among Victims

The deceased were identified as Suman Adivasi (16), Somvati Adivasi (8), and Bhura Adivasi (5), all from the same family in Hatnai village under Ishanagar police station limits.

According to police, the group was travelling in an e-rickshaw after returning from the Satai area when the truck rammed into the vehicle.

Five Injured, Receiving Treatment in Hospital

Five other family members, including Karanju Adivasi (41), Kanhaiya Adivasi (14), Genda Adivasi (38), and taxi driver Kishan Adivasi, were seriously injured in the crash.

All the injured are undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. Officials said the condition of some remains critical.

Truck Driver Absconding; Police Launch Search

Police said the truck driver fled the spot immediately after the collision. A case has been registered and a search operation is underway to trace and arrest him.

Authorities have assured strict action, while an investigation continues to determine the exact cause of the accident.