Several critically injured and 12 dead after pick up van overturns in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar
Dhar (Madhya Pradesh): A tragic road accident in Dhar district has claimed at least 12 lives after a pickup vehicle carrying 30 to 35 labourers overturned near a petrol pump in the Tirla area. The incident triggered panic at the site, with locals and authorities rushing to rescue the victims. The dead as well as injured comprise women and children along with a few men.
Initial reports indicate that the vehicle was heavily overcrowded, a factor often linked to such fatal mishaps in rural and semi-urban regions.
According to Dr Chhatrapal Singh, a senior doctor at the district hospital, around 35 injured individuals were brought in following the accident. “We have received information that there has been an accident at a pick-up near Tirla. Around 35 patients have come to us. 10–12 of them is dead, and 8–10 are in critical condition,” he told media persons.
Among the deceased are two children, underscoring the severity of the tragedy. Several of the injured remain in critical condition and are undergoing treatment.
Abhishek Chaudhary, In-charge Collector of Dhar, confirmed that the administration and police teams acted swiftly to transport the injured to the district hospital. He added that some of the critically injured have been referred to hospitals in Indore for advanced treatment.
Chaudhary, a 2018-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, is currently serving as Additional Collector and CEO of the Zila Panchayat in Dhar. He has been actively overseeing emergency responses in the district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident. In a message shared on social media, he conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office also announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. 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.
The Dhar accident once again highlights the persistent issue of overcrowded transport vehicles and inadequate safety measures, particularly involving daily-wage labourers. Authorities are expected to investigate the exact cause of the accident, including whether overloading or driver negligence played a role.
As rescue and treatment efforts continue, the focus remains on saving those critically injured and supporting families devastated by the sudden loss.
