New Delhi: Condoling the death of eight people, including seven from Odisha, after their vehicle was swept away by a rain-swollen stream in Madhya Pradesh’s Agar-Malwa district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced ex-gratia for the next of kin of the deceased.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister described the mishap as extremely painful and extended his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.

Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be provided Rs 50,000.

Seven people from Odisha, including three children and two women, were killed after the car they were travelling in was swept away by a rain-swollen stream near the Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda in Madhya Pradesh’s Agar-Malwa district late on Friday night. The driver of the vehicle, a resident of Agar-Malwa district, also died in the accident.

The seven deceased from Odisha were residents of the Jaydev Vihar area of Bhubaneswar and had travelled to Madhya Pradesh to attend the ring ceremony of their daughter.

The victims have been identified as Shiba Prasad Behera, Krishna Rajveer, Saira Sonprabha, Gyanendra Behera, Ritarani Behera, B. Sai Swastik and Radharani Behera.

Agar-Malwa Superintendent of Police Dilip Kumar Soni said the accident occurred when the car attempted to cross the swollen stream near the temple amid a strong water current.

Preliminary findings suggest the driver may have attempted to cross the stream in haste, following which the vehicle was swept away by the force of the water, the SP said.

According to local records, the area received around 3.7 inches of rainfall in the 24 hours preceding the accident, with the intensity of the rainfall peaking during the night.

Following the incident, administrative officials and rescue teams rushed to the spot and launched an operation to trace the vehicle and recover the occupants.

The car was subsequently located during the rescue operation. Police identified it as a Maruti Suzuki S-Presso bearing registration number MP 13 AF 7135.

Odisha, MP CMs announce ex-gratia

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed grief over the deaths of the seven Odias in the accident.

The Chief Minister announced compassionate assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased. On the instructions of the Chief Minister, state government officials are in touch with Madhya Pradesh officials, and all arrangements have been made to bring the mortal remains of the deceased to Odisha with due respect, stated the Chief Minister's Office.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of eight people, including three children and two women, who were killed in Agar-Malwa district.

The Chief Minister expressed grief over the deaths and directed government officials to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved families. 

He also assured support to the families of the pilgrims from Odisha who had come to Madhya Pradesh on a religious visit.

"The news of the loss of lives in a road accident at Nalkheda in Agar-Malwa district is deeply saddening. I extend my condolences to the families of the pilgrims who lost their lives while visiting Madhya Pradesh from Odisha for a religious journey," CM Yadav said on social media platform X.