Tragedy struck in Khandwa district on Thursday evening when a tractor-trolley carrying devotees for Durga idol immersion toppled into a pond, claiming the lives of 11 people, including eight young girls.
The accident occurred in Ardala village of the Pandhana area, where villagers from Padlafata in Rajgarh gram panchayat had gathered for the ritual. Witnesses said the trolley, carrying around 20 to 25 passengers, had stopped near a culvert by the pond when it suddenly lost balance and slipped into the water.
Rescue operations began immediately, with police, administrative officials, and locals rushing to the scene. A JCB machine was deployed to pull the trolley from the pond. By evening, 11 bodies had been recovered, though officials feared the toll could rise, as several passengers were reportedly still trapped underwater. Khandwa SP Manoj Rai confirmed that search operations continued late into the night.
CM Expresses Grief
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow over the accident and announced ex gratia payments for the families of the deceased.
“The accidents that occurred during Durga immersion in the villages of Jamli in Khargone and the Ingoria police station area near Ujjain are extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the bereaved families,” the CM said in a post on X.
He added, “I have issued instructions to provide an assistance amount of ₹4 lakh to the immediate family members of the deceased and to ensure that the injured receive proper treatment in the nearest hospital. I pray to Devi Ma Durga for the speedy recovery of all the injured and for strength to the grief-stricken families.”
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