Khandwa/Ujjain, 2 October (IANS) The twin accidents during the Durga immersion festival have put a shadow on ceremonies in Madhya Pradesh, one incident claims several lives and the other indicates immediate rescue operations.
In Jamali village in Khandwa district, a tractor-trolley that was carrying the devotees and the idol of Goddess Durga overturned and fell into a pond crossing a narrow culvert. The vehicle was reportedly overloaded, which took around 20 to 25 people from Ardala and Jamali villages. So far, 11 bodies have been recovered, including eight children.
Rescue operations are going on, with the apprehension that more people may still get stuck under water. The accident occurred under the jurisdiction of Pandana police station, and the bodies are being brought to the Pandana Community Health Center.
Local officials including the Collector and Superintendent of Police reached the spot after receiving the news. A economy machine was deployed to pull the submerged trolley from the pond, and the divers are continuing the discovery of the missing.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep grief over the incident, called it “deep tragic”.
He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and announced a pre-Rs 4 lakh pre-Gratia in each for the families of the deceased. He also assured that the injured would get proper medical treatment in the nearest hospital.
In a separate incident in Ujjain district, another tractor-trolley carrying an idol for immersion fell into the Chambal river near Narsingh village in Badnagar. Eight people were reportedly aboard the vehicle.
Five were rescued, while three are missing. Search operations are going on in the river, coordinating the efforts of the local police and rescue teams. Both accidents have expressed concern about the use of security protocols during religious processions and tractor-trolley for large-scale transportation.
The state government has urged the district administration to review the immersion routes and ensure adequate security measures in future events.
As the families mourn the loss of their loved ones, the administration continues their efforts to detect the missing and provide assistance to the affected.
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SKTR/Dan