Madhya Pradesh Tractor-Trolley Accident: Durga Idol Immersion Turns Tragic, 11 Dead

In Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, a devastating accident occurred on Thursday when a tractor-trolley carrying devotees for Durga idol immersion overturned into a pond, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including children. The majority of the victims were adolescent girls.

The incident took place in the Pandhana area of Khandwa district, where 20 to 25 residents from Ardla and Jamli villages were traveling on the trolley for the immersion ceremony. According to officials, despite repeated warnings from the local kotwar (village watchman), the tractor drove into deep water, lost its balance, and capsized, throwing the passengers into the pond.

Rescue teams recovered ten bodies from the water, and the body of a missing girl was later found during a late-night search, bringing the death toll to eleven. Authorities indicated that the accident was caused by the devotees’ “overconfidence” in ignoring safety warnings from the kotwar.

Eyewitnesses reported that villagers immediately sprang into action to save the passengers. Sadly, the fatalities mostly consisted of adolescent females between the ages of 15 and 16. Several other injured individuals were rushed to Khandwa District Hospital for treatment.

Superintendent of Police Manoj Rai confirmed the deaths, and administrative officers quickly arrived at the scene to oversee rescue operations.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “The accidents that took place during the Durga immersion ceremony in Jamli village of Khandwa and the Ingoria police station area near Ujjain are extremely tragic,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Instructions have been issued to provide Rs 4 lakh each as compensation to the next of kin, and proper treatment to the injured at the nearest hospital. I pray to Goddess Durga for the speedy recovery of the injured and for strength to the bereaved families.”

At the national level, the Prime Minister of India announced that the next of kin of each deceased person would receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), while the injured would be provided Rs 50,000 each.

In a separate incident, a tractor-trolley carrying devotees overturned into the Chambal River on Thursday during idol immersion in the Ingoria police station area of Ujjain district. This accident resulted in two fatalities and four injuries, highlighting the risks associated with Durga immersion ceremonies across the state.

The authorities have urged residents and devotees to exercise extreme caution during festive events, emphasizing adherence to safety warnings to prevent further tragedies during religious celebrations.