In a tragic incident in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district, twelve labourers lost their lives and twenty others sustained injuries after a pickup van overturned and collided with an SUV on Wednesday night. The accident occurred between 8:30 pm and 9 pm, according to officials.
Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 35 labourers were returning home from Baggad when the driver lost control of the van. The vehicle overturned and struck an oncoming SUV. Dhar district's in-charge collector, Abhishek Choudhary, confirmed that all victims died on the spot. Those critically injured were referred to Indore after receiving initial treatment at a local hospital.
Official Response and Compensation
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the families of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also conveyed his condolences and announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. Yadav directed officials, including the Indore Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General, to visit Dhar and ensure proper treatment for the injured, which will be provided free of cost.
Details of the Accident
The labourers, returning from work, were traveling in a crowded pickup van. The driver reportedly lost control, leading to the van overturning and hitting the SUV. The impact was severe, causing instant fatalities. Emergency services rushed to the spot, and the injured were taken to nearby healthcare facilities.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, including possible overspeeding or mechanical failure. The incident highlights the risks faced by daily wage labourers who often rely on unsafe modes of transport.
The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated team of journalists operating around the clock to deliver the latest news and updates. With a commitment to excellence, the team gathers, verifies, and presents breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics.
