At least 15 persons, including five women, died and around 20 others were injured when the vehicle they were traveling in met with an accident in India's central state of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, Xinhua reported, citing a local police officer.

The accident occurred in Madhya Pradesh's Bichhiya area located in the Mandla district, after the driver lost control of the vehicle as it toppled into a valley. 

Local media has previously put the death toll at 14.

According to Xinhua, some of the injured were said to be in critical condition and the death toll is feared to rise, the unnamed police said. 

The victims came from the same village and were returning from a pre-wedding ceremony that was held nearby.

In light of the accident, Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders have expressed condolences.

(With input from Xinhua)