Bhopal/Anuppur April 19 : Four young men from Bhimkundi village lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh on Sunday when the tractor-trolley they were travelling in overturned into a deep pit.

The victims were on their way to collect road metal, locally known as gitti, from Pauni village in neighbouring Anuppur district.

The incident occurred around 5.45-6 a.m. under the Karan Pathar police station locality.

According to police officials, the driver, identified as Ankush Uike, lost control of the steering while negotiating a sharp turn on the road near a village under Karan Pathar police station area, in Anuppur district.

The heavily loaded tractor-trolley veered off the path and fell into a deep pit from where earth was being excavated.

All four occupants were trapped under the overturned trolley and suffered fatal injuries.

Speaking to IANS, Virendra Badkur, the senior investigating police officer from Karan Pathar police station, said the deceased have been identified as Ankush Uike, aged 24, who was driving the vehicle; Brajesh Pendo, 18; Ravindra Kumar, 18; and Chandra Prakash Marko, 17.

All four were close friends and residents of Bhimkundi village in Dindori district.

They had set out early in the morning to fetch construction material. Local residents who reached the spot soon after the accident immediately informed the police.

Rescue operations were launched, and an earthmoving machine was called in to lift the overturned trolley and extricate the bodies. It took considerable effort to recover the deceased from under the heavy vehicle. â??They all died on the spot,â?? the officer said.

The bodies were later shifted to a nearby hospital for post-mortem examination. Police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway to determine if there were any mechanical faults in the tractor or if overloading contributed to the tragedy.

Senior police officers visited the spot and expressed deep condolences to the grieving families.

This unfortunate incident has sent shock waves through the villages of Bhimkundi and the surrounding areas. Relatives and villagers gathered at the familiesâ?? homes as news of the deaths spread.

District administration officials assured that all necessary support would be provided to the bereaved families.

/IANS