Police said the victims were sitting by the roadside near Ekta Chowk after having their meal when a white car travelling from Barela towards Jabalpur lost control and ploughed into them. The vehicle, which reportedly did not have a number plate, sped away immediately after the crash.
Two women, Chainwati Bai (40) and Lachho Bai (40), died on the spot. Later, Gomta Bai (40), Varsha Kushram (45) and Krishna Bai (40) died at Jabalpur Medical College Hospital while undergoing treatment, taking the total number of fatalities to five.
Given the gravity of the case, the investigation has been handed over to the Crime Branch. Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay said a special team has been constituted under the supervision of Additional SP Jitendra Singh to trace the absconding driver. “CCTV footage from the accident site and nearby toll plazas is being scanned to identify the vehicle and the accused,” a senior police officer said.
All the deceased and injured women were residents of Bamhori village in Mandla district. For the past one-and-a-half months, they had been working on a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project in Jabalpur. Their assignment involved cleaning iron grilles installed on the road divider near Ekta Chowk. Police said the women were resting by the roadside when the accident occurred.
Emergency services rushed the injured to the Medical College Hospital by ambulance, where doctors said the condition of five patients remains critical. A dedicated medical team has been deployed to monitor their treatment round-the-clock.
Senior district officials visited the hospital soon after the incident. Collector Raghavendra Singh and SP Sampat Upadhyay enquired about the condition of the injured and directed officials to ensure all necessary medical support.
NHAI Project Director Amrit Lal Sahu also visited the hospital and announced immediate financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He said the total compensation would be raised to ₹2 lakh per affected family. Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh expressed grief over the incident and assured that the state government would extend all possible help to the victims’ families.
The last rites of the deceased women will be performed on Monday in their native village in Mandla district.
