Bhopal, August 11: A tragic incident occurred in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district on Monday, where a van carrying 11 passengers was swept away by a swollen stream. The accident resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including three children and two women.
The mishap took place around 9:30 AM near Padana on the Pachor-Sarangpur road. Fortunately, two passengers managed to swim to safety.
The victims were residents of Dhanasad village in the neighboring Dewas district and were en route to Kadalavad when the accident happened. The van was crossing a bridge over the Jhiri stream, where heavy rainfall had caused water to flow over the road.
According to police reports, local villagers and officials had warned the driver against crossing the flooded area. Despite the warnings, the driver proceeded, leading to the vehicle being swept away by the strong current and quickly submerging.
Upon receiving the news, the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) joined the rescue efforts, and the van was later retrieved with the help of a crane. Arvind Singh, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) in Sarangpur, stated that the rivers and streams in the area were in spate due to the heavy rainfall.
Singh explained that the driver had taken the van into the swift waters near the Padana bypass, resulting in the vehicle’s rapid submersion and the tragic loss of nine lives.
A case has been registered at the Sarangpur police station, and an investigation is underway. The deceased have been identified as Shankar Singh (50), his wife Sagarbai, Hukum Singh’s wife Renu (28), their sons Rajveer (3) and Jaspreet, Vishal Chauhan, his wife Pooja (27), Rishika, and Anand Singh.
The van was registered in the name of Mukesh Singh, who was driving at the time. Authorities reported that Mukesh Singh and Hukum Singh survived the accident and were hospitalized.
A 30-foot bridge is currently under construction over the Jhiri stream at the accident site. Officials noted that due to the heavy rains, water was flowing over the incomplete bridge, making it hazardous for passage.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences over the fatalities and announced financial assistance of ₹4 lakh for each victim’s family. Yadav stated that the news of the passengers’ deaths in the rain-related accident on the Pachor-Sarangpur road is deeply saddening. He extended his sympathies to the affected families.
He added that directives for financial aid have been issued, and a search operation for missing individuals is ongoing.
This incident occurred amidst heavy monsoon rains in Madhya Pradesh, causing several rivers and streams across the state to swell, with water reaching the roads and crossings in lower-lying areas.
Leave a Comment