Khandwa: Tractor falls into river during Durga idol immersion, 12 people drown; rescue operation underway

Khandwa, A major accident occurred on Thursday afternoon, Vijayadashami, during the Durga idol immersion in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. A tractor-trolley carrying over 25 devotees was swept away by the water after the road on the bridge over a pond in Ardla village, under the Pandhana police station area, caved in.

During the rescue operation that continued until late evening, the bodies of 12 devotees who drowned were recovered. These included eight girls. The search for other devotees continued late into the night.

CM Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the accident
Expressing grief over the incident, CM Mohan Yadav said that the accidents that occurred during the Durga immersion in Jamli village of Khandwa and the Ingoria police station area near Ujjain are extremely tragic. He expresses his condolences to the bereaved families.

₹4 lakh assistance to the families of the deceased
He stated that instructions have been given to provide ₹4 lakh assistance to the families of the deceased and proper treatment to the injured at the nearest hospital. He prays to Goddess Durga for the speedy recovery of all the injured and for strength to the bereaved families.

More than 25 people were on the tractor-trolley
More than 25 people were on the tractor-trolley, including women, men, and children. A bridge crosses the pond. The tractor-trolley was being taken across this bridge to cross to the other side. Meanwhile, the road on the bridge caved in, and the tractor-trolley fell into the pond, drowning all those on board.

Rescue Operation Continues
The police, responding to the information, began the rescue operation, and by late evening, 10 people were rescued from the water. Most of them had died on the spot, while others died in the hospital. The rescue operation continued late into the night. Administrative officials are currently refusing to say anything about the accident.