At least eight people were killed and 13 others severely injured in a head-on collision between a truck and a sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav expressed profound grief on the mely death of the eight passengers and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. The SUV was carrying 21 passengers who were on their way from Matihani for a Mundan Sanskar (tonsuring the head of a baby) ceremony. The injured were immediately taken to hospital, of them nine are reportedly critical. Most of them were referred to Rewa for further treatment. A goat also died in the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that high speed and negligence may have contributed to the accident. The incident unfolded around 2.30 a.m. near the Opni Petrol Pump on Sidhi-Bahri Road. The authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident, considering the gravity of the situation. The deceased, identified as residents of the Sahu family from Deori and Pandaria Bahri village, include five women and three men.