Heavy rain and landslide conditions worsen Balod road tragedy

The accident happened under adverse weather and terrain conditions. Continuous heavy rain had triggered landslides and stone falls in the hilly stretch around Markatola, making the highway treacherous. The stalled pickup became a hazard, and the fast‑moving truck could not stop in time. After the crash, the truck driver fled the scene. Police, patrolling units, and traffic officials arrived promptly, rescued the victims with help from locals, and rushed the injured to Dhamtari hospital, where four later succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to six.