Damoh (Madhya Pradesh) [India], April 22 (ANI): At least eight people, including five women and three children, died, and five others have sustained injuries after an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) overturned in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district, a police official said on Tuesday.

The accident occurred at the Mahadev Ghat bridge under the Nohta police station limits in the district on Tuesday afternoon. The passengers were residents of Jabalpur district, and they visited Damoh to offer prayers at the at the Bandakpur pilgrimage site. After offering their prayers, they were returning to Jabalpur when the accident occurred, the police added.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Shrut Kirti Somvanshi said, 'An accident occurred in which a Bolero overturned near the Mahadev Ghat bridge, in which eight people died. Upon visiting the spot, it seems that the vehicle was moving at a high speed and there was a sharp turn ahead of the bridge, due to which the driver lost control and the accident occurred. The injured people in the accident have been referred to Jabalpur. The driver of the vehicle is also among the injured who sustained severe injuries. Due to the injury, his statement could not be recorded.'

The police will conduct further investigation at the site to determine the exact cause of the accident, he added.

Furthermore, Damoh Collector Sudhir Kumar Kochar told ANI, 'A vehicle heading towards Jabalpur via Mahadev Ghat bridge but ahead of the bridge, there was a sharp turn and probably due to high speed, the driver lost control and the vehicle overturned. Six people died on the spot, while two more succumbed at the district hospital. A total of eight people died and five sustained injuries in the accident.'

The injured were referred to Jabalpur Medical College, with a green corridor was prepared to facilitate their transport to Jabalpur, he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the tragic accident and announced financial assistance to the families of the deceased.

'Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed deep condolences on the untimely demise of people in a road accident in Damoh district. The Chief Minister has announced to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. He also prayed to God to grant peace to the departed souls, strength to the bereaved families and speedy recovery of the injured,' the CMO posted on X. (ANI)