Jalna (Maharashtra), April 1: At least eight people lost their lives, and several were injured after a truck rammed into them on the Samruddhi Highway in Maharashtra's Jalna district on Wednesday.

 Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief and announced compensation for the victims' families.
 

 "The incident in which 8 people lost their lives in an accident on the Jalna-Nagpur highway is extremely tragic. I pay heartfelt tribute to them. We share in the grief of their families. Those who were injured in this incident have been immediately admitted to the hospital, and the local administration is coordinating efforts. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are personally present at the scene. I pray at the feet of God that the condition of the injured improves soon," he said.

The Chief Minister also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased. "The state government will provide financial assistance of 5 lakh rupees to the heirs of the deceased in this accident," the Chief Minister said.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Jalna Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar Bansal said that the accident occurred when workers standing on the side lane were hit by a truck that suddenly changed lanes. "A group of workers who were waiting to leave after their work were struck from behind by a truck. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of seven people. Six or seven others sustained serious injuries," he said.

He added that the police have taken the truck driver into custody and registered a case of culpable homicide. "Further legal action is underway, including his arrest," Bansal said. 

​​​​​​​