MP: At least 11 killed after tractor carrying Durga idols falls into lake in Khandwa

Indore:

As many as 11 persons were killed after a tractor-trolley plunged into a lake in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa. The incident happened on Thursday when the devotees were going to immerse idols of Goddess Durga after Navratri celebrations.

The tragedy took place in Pandhana area, said Inspector General of Police (Indore rural range) Anurag.

Rescue operations are ongoing at the incident site. District Collector and SP have reached the location following the incident.

DM shares detail of incident

Divulging the details of the incident, Collector Rishav Gupta said a comprehensive rescue operation, led by SDRF, NDRF, and the Home Guard team, was underway and all the bodies were retrieved from the pond. 

"An unfortunate incident occurred in Jamli village. During the immersion, people were warning that the pond was deep, but in excitement, driver of the trolley proceeded ahead. As a result, the trolley lost balance and overturned completely. Immediate help was provided by local residents, who managed to rescue several children. Unfortunately, some lives could not be saved. In total, 11 bodies were recovered. One girl is in a critical condition and is undergoing medical treatment. A rescue operation was carried out by the police administration, SDRF, NDRF, and the Home Guard team, and all the bodies were retrieved from the pond," he said. 

Death toll likely to increase, says CMO

Earlier, Chief Medical Officer OP Jugtawat said injured were treated at Panjana Hospital and Khandwa District Hospital. He said around 30 to 32 were on the trolley when the mishap happened and the number of deaths could increase.  

“This is a very tragic incident, especially on this auspicious day. In the Pandhana area, a vehicle (trolley) overturned, resulting in the deaths of approximately 10 people. The injured have been admitted to Panjana Hospital, and three more have been transferred to Khandwa District Hospital. Rescue and search operations are still ongoing. It is estimated that around 30 to 32 people were in the trolley when the accident occurred, and there may be further casualties. The district administration, including the SP and health team, are present at the site, and all doctors and staff are fully involved in the rescue and treatment efforts,” he said. 

PM Modi expresses anguish

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the loss of lives in MP. He announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the victims.  

MP CM expresses grief

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed anguish over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.

“The accidents that occurred during the immersion of Durga in the villages of Jamli in Khargone and the Ingoria police station area near Ujjain are extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the bereaved families. I have issued instructions to provide an assistance amount of ₹4-4 lakh to the immediate family members of the deceased and to ensure that the injured receive proper treatment in the nearest hospital,” CM Yadav posted on X.

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