A horrific late-night crash on the Ludhiana–Jalandhar highway near Ladhowal Toll Plaza claimed the lives of five people, including two minor girls, after a speeding car lost control and smashed into a road divider early Monday.

The victims were travelling in a Hyundai Verna that was reportedly moving at high speed when the driver failed to control the vehicle. The impact was so severe that all five occupants died on the spot, according to eye witnesses.

The deceased, who had come from the Jagraon area, were found trapped inside the mangled vehicle. Police personnel and locals pulled them out and rushed them to the civil hospital, where doctors confirmed that all five had succumbed to their injuries.

Police are examining CCTV footage from the toll plaza and nearby highway points to determine the exact sequence of events. Till the filing of this news the identities of the two young girls had not been released as their relatives were still being informed.

The crash occurred around a stretch notorious for high-speed accidents, with local authorities repeatedly urging drivers to slow down near the toll crossing and divider points. Monday’s incident has once again raised concerns over speeding on national highways and the need for stricter enforcement of safety norms.

Police have begun further inquiry and will conduct detailed mechanical inspection of the car to rule out technical failure.