Jabalpur hit-and-run: Police identify accused driver as death toll rises to five

January 19, 2026

Bhopal/Jabalpur: The Madhya Pradesh police on Monday said they have identified the driver responsible for the hit-and-run incident in Jabalpur that mowed down 13 labourers. A senior police official told IANS that the accused has been identified and is expected to be nabbed soon, though details about the number of accused were not disclosed. Police are scanning CCTV footage and conducting searches to trace the absconding driver.

Five labourers dead, others critical

The death toll in the incident has risen to five, although the state government has officially confirmed four deaths so far. Two labourers died on the spot, while three others succumbed to their injuries late Sunday night during treatment at a government hospital. Three injured labourers remain in critical condition, while others sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious.

Ex gratia announced for victims’ families

Public Works Department Minister Rakesh Singh announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the four officially confirmed deceased, with Rs 1 lakh to be released immediately. The labourers, all from villages in Mandla district, were working on a National Highway Authority of India project and were resting near Ekta Chowk in the Barela police station area when a speeding white car hit them and fled the scene.