At least 16 people, including two children, lost their lives, and over 20 others sustained serious injuries after a pickup vehicle overturned following a collision with an SUV in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district on Wednesday night.
The accident took place around 8:30 pm near a petrol pump in Chiklia village under Tirla police station limits. According to police officials, the pickup van—carrying nearly 40 labourers along with their children—was on its way to Amjhera when it collided with a Scorpio. The impact caused the overcrowded vehicle to lose balance and overturn, leading to multiple fatalities and critical injuries.
Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene, with several victims trapped under the overturned vehicle while others lay critically injured on the road. Passersby and local residents rushed to the spot and began rescue efforts, pulling out those trapped and assisting the injured. Ambulances were called in and the victims were transported to Dhar District Hospital.
Police and administrative officials from Tirla station reached the site soon after receiving information and launched rescue operations. Preliminary investigations suggest that overcrowding may have led to the driver losing control of the vehicle, resulting in the collision and subsequent overturning.
Satyapal, an emergency medical officer at the district hospital, confirmed that all injured persons were currently undergoing treatment. “Several people died on the spot. Three critically injured individuals have been referred to Indore for advanced medical care,” he stated.
In-charge Collector Abhishek Choudhary also cited overcrowding as a major factor behind the accident. “All seriously injured victims have been admitted to the district hospital. The death toll, initially reported lower, has now risen to 16. The identities of some deceased are yet to be confirmed and several injured remain in critical condition,” he said.
Meanwhile, expressing grief over the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. In a statement, he said he was deeply pained by the loss of lives.
The Prime Minister’s Office also announced financial assistance under the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000.
Police have initiated a detailed investigation into the incident as concerns grow over road safety and the dangers of overcrowded transport in rural areas.
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