A tragic road accident claimed the life of a helper and left the driver critically injured after a milk tanker overturned in dense fog in Barwani district on Monday morning. The incident has cast a pall over the Anjad area, highlighting the dangers of driving in poor visibility conditions.
The Fatal Morning Journey
The ill-fated tanker, operated by Sanchi dairy, was on a routine supply run from the district headquarters in Barwani to its processing plant in Jamli, Sendhwa. Loaded with thousands of litres of fresh milk, the vehicle commenced its journey at approximately 7 am on Monday. The route took it through Talun, Talwada Bujurg, Rajpur, and Julwania.
However, near Talwada Bujurg village, about 12 kilometres from Barwani, the tanker met with a severe accident. Preliminary reports from the Anjad police indicate that dense fog is the primary suspect behind the vehicle losing control and overturning. The impact was devastating, causing significant damage to a roadside electricity pole and resulting in a massive spill of the tanker's cargo.
Immediate Aftermath and Response
Alert villagers who witnessed the accident quickly informed the local police and dialled the 108 ambulance service. Both the injured individuals were rushed to the Barwani district hospital for emergency treatment.
Tragically, the helper, identified as Kanhaiya Lal Muzald, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The driver, Amjad, sustained serious injuries and his condition required advanced medical care. He was subsequently referred to a hospital in Indore for further treatment.
Anjad police station in-charge RR Chauhan confirmed that a zero FIR has been registered at Barwani and is being transferred to Anjad police for further investigation. This legal procedure allows a police station to register a complaint for an offence committed outside its jurisdiction.
Official Statements and Logistics
Dairy manager MS Arya provided crucial details about the logistics of the operation. He stated that the tanker was carrying 9,710 litres of milk at the time of the accident. The district sees three such milk tankers operating daily on this route to ensure a steady supply to the Jamli plant.
Arya clarified that both the driver and the helper were employed on a contract basis by a dedicated transport company, which has been formally notified about the incident. In a statement addressing the welfare of the victims, he assured that financial assistance to the deceased helper's family and the injured driver will be provided as per the company's rules and regulations.
The accident not only resulted in personal tragedy but also led to substantial material loss, including the damaged infrastructure and the complete loss of the milk consignment. It serves as a grim reminder of the hazards faced by transport and logistics workers, especially during the winter months when fog severely compromises road safety.
