A devastating road accident on the Indore–Ahmedabad Highway in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district has left at least 12 people dead and dozens injured. The incident occurred when a pickup van carrying labourers collided with an SUV and overturned multiple times due to high speed, according to Union Minister Savitri Thakur.
Details of the Accident
The pickup van, reportedly overloaded with passengers, lost control while travelling at high speed. The driver attempted to overtake another vehicle but failed to maintain control, resulting in a violent collision with an oncoming SUV. The impact caused the van to roll over several times, leading to severe casualties. Emergency services rushed to the spot and transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Many victims are reported to be in critical condition and have been shifted to Indore for advanced medical care.
Official Response and Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased. Injured individuals will receive ₹50,000 each. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh has taken immediate cognisance of the incident, directing officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and expedite rescue operations.
Road Safety Concerns
This tragic event has once again highlighted the persistent issue of road safety in India. Overspeeding and reckless driving remain major causes of accidents on highways. Authorities have urged stricter enforcement of traffic rules and better awareness among drivers to prevent such incidents. The local administration is conducting an investigation into the exact cause of the crash.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police are actively involved in rescue operations. The injured are being treated at district hospitals, with critical patients airlifted to Indore for specialised care. The government has assured all possible assistance to the affected families.
