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Couple killed, 3 minor daughters critical as speeding car hits bike in MP's Pandhurna

Digital Desk | Pandhurna, Oct 18 (IANS) A couple died on the spot, and their three minor daughters were left battling for life after a speeding car hit their motorcycle in Madhya Pradesh's Pandhurna while they were returning home after darshan. The deceased have been identified as Vasudev Uike (40) and his wife Sunita Uike (35). Their three daughters -- Vaishnavy (3), Sonu (7) and Rakhi (5) -- sustained injuries in the accident and are undergoing treatment. The youngest, Vaishnavy, suffered a fracture and has been referred to Nagpur for advanced medical care, while Sonu and Rakhi are being treated at the Pandhurna Civil Hospital. According to police, the family was travelling on a motorcycle and was crossing the Tigaon four-lane highway when a speeding car hit their bike with great force. The impact was so severe that both Vasudev and Sunita died on the spot. Passers-by and local residents rushed the injured children to a hospital. The accident took place late at night when traffic on the highway was relatively low. Eyewitnesses said the car was travelling at high speed and did not stop after the collision. The driver of the car fled from the scene, leaving the family lying on the road. Police teams reached the spot soon after receiving information and launched a search for the absconding vehicle and its driver. Senior officers said efforts are underway to trace the car through CCTV footage and other leads available on the highway. The motorcycle involved in the accident has been seized, and a case has been registered. Local administration and hospital authorities are monitoring the condition of the three injured girls. Doctors treating them at Pandhurna Civil Hospital said Sonu and Rakhi are stable but under observation, while Vaishnavy requires specialised treatment in Nagpur. Residents of the area have demanded strict action against the absconding driver and better safety measures on the Tigaon four-lane highway, which has witnessed several accidents in the past. Police said further investigation is in progress to ascertain the exact sequence of events and establish the identity of the car involved in the accident.