Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal/Dhar
Bhopal/Dhar, Apr 30: A devastating road accident in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district has claimed 16 lives after four more injured labourers succumbed to their injuries. The victims were cremated together on Thursday as the region mourned the tragedy.
The accident occurred late Tuesday evening under the jurisdiction of Tirla Police Station when a pickup vehicle carrying around 46 labourers—along with women and children—lost control near a roadside hotel. The vehicle, which was travelling from Ghatabillod, reportedly swerved onto the wrong side of the road before overturning.
The impact of the crash was severe, killing 12 people on the spot. Four more later died during treatment, raising the total death toll to 16.
Following the accident, emergency services rushed the injured to District Bhoj Hospital. Officials said the situation at the hospital turned chaotic as multiple critically injured patients arrived in quick succession. At present, 13 injured people are being treated at the district hospital, six are admitted to a private facility, and nine seriously injured victims have been referred to Indore for advanced care.
Authorities confirmed that the victims were part of a labour group travelling together in the overloaded vehicle. The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and passenger transport violations in rural areas.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those critically injured, and Rs 50,000 for individuals with minor injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the affected families. He also announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
The district administration has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and to explore measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.