Six devotees returning from Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj lost their lives, and two others sustained severe injuries when their speeding jeep collided with a private bus in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district on Monday morning, officials confirmed.

The victims, all from Gokak taluka in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, had embarked on their journey to the religious gathering on February 18.

According to Jabalpur Collector Deepak Saxena, the accident occurred near Pahreva village under Khitoula police station limits when the Karnataka-registered jeep lost control. The driver reportedly hit a tree on the road divider before veering onto the opposite lane, where the vehicle crashed into an oncoming bus.

The impact was fatal for six occupants of the jeep, who died on the spot. The two injured individuals were initially treated in Sihora town before being transferred to Jabalpur Medical College for advanced care.

Authorities stated that the victims were en route to Karnataka via Jabalpur. Meanwhile, the bus driver fled the scene with his vehicle, prompting police efforts to locate him.

Senior officials, including the collector and the superintendent of police, visited the accident site to assess the situation.

The deceased have been identified as Balachandra Gowdar, Sunil Shedashale, Basavaraj Kurni, Basavaraj Doddamani, Eeranna Shebinakatti, and Virupaksha Gumatti. The injured, Mustaq and Sadashiva, remain under medical supervision.