Four national-level hockey players died and three others were critically injured in an accident early on Monday in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh.

According to the police, Shehnawaz Khan, Adarsh Hardua, Ashish Lal and Aniket died when their car rammed into a tree near Raisalpur village on the national highway. The players were travelling from Itarsi to Hoshangabad to play in a Dhyanchand hockey tournament.

Shan Gladwin, Sahil Choure and Akshay Awasthi (Gwalior) are the three injured and have been admitted to a hospital in Hoshangabad. According to reports, the condition of one of the injured is said to be critical. 

The four players who passed away were aged between 18 and 22, and all seven were enrolled in the MP Hockey Academy. 

According to PTI, the accident took place around 7 am. The driver was reportedly trying to avoid colliding with an oncoming vehicle, lost control and rammed into a tree, which then caused the car to overturn. 

Chief Minister Kamal Nath took to Twitter to condole the demise.

"The news of the accident of hockey players near Raisalpur village is saddening. I express grief towards the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.

"We will provide all possible help for the treatment of the injured players," read a tweet from the official handle of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.

Former Olympian and Member of Parliament Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said, “The death of our 4 national hockey players in a car accident in Hoshangabad near Risalpur Village is a tragic loss to their families and the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the families of those who died and prayers to recover soon for those who got injured.”

With IANS inputs