Daijiworld Media Network - Khandwa/Ujjain

Khandwa/Ujjain, Oct 2: Festive spirit turned into mourning in Madhya Pradesh as two separate accidents during Durga idol immersion ceremonies left multiple people dead and several missing, casting a pall over Dussehra celebrations in the state.

In the most devastating incident, a tractor-trolley carrying devotees and a Durga idol overturned into a pond near Jamli village in Khandwa district. The vehicle, reportedly overloaded with 20–25 people from Ardla and Jamli villages, plunged into the water while attempting to cross a narrow culvert. Rescue teams have so far recovered 11 bodies, including eight children, and fear that more may still be trapped underwater.

The mishap occurred under the jurisdiction of Pandhana police station. Emergency responders, including divers and earthmoving machinery, were deployed to retrieve the trolley and search for missing persons. Senior officials, including the district Collector and Superintendent of Police, reached the scene promptly to oversee rescue efforts. The bodies recovered are being taken to the Pandhana Community Health Centre.

In Ujjain district, a similar accident unfolded near Narsingha village in Badnagar, where another tractor-trolley carrying an idol and eight people fell into the Chambal River. Five people have been rescued, while three remain missing as search and rescue operations continue in the fast-flowing river.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow over both incidents, calling the Khandwa tragedy “deeply tragic.” He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lac for each of the deceased’s families and assured medical treatment for the injured. The Chief Minister also directed district administrations across the state to reassess immersion routes and enforce safety protocols, particularly regarding the use of tractor-trolleys for transporting people.

The back-to-back accidents have triggered concerns over the lack of safety oversight during religious processions. Authorities have urged organisers and local officials to ensure strict adherence to safety measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.

As rescue operations continue, families in both districts are grappling with shock and grief, turning what should have been a celebration of triumph and devotion into a heartbreaking reminder of negligence and the need for vigilance.