Two accidents during the Durga Immersion in Madhya Pradesh left at least 13 people dead on Thursday, including ten children. In the Ingoria area near Ujjain, a tractor-trolley full of devotees crashed through a railing and fell into the Chambal River after a 12-year-old accidentally turned on the ignition, causing the vehicle to lurch forward.
12 children fell into water during Durga Immersion
Officials said 12 children fell into the water, but local residents were only able to pull 11 out, leaving one child missing. Two of the rescued children died during treatment. A crane later pulled the vehicle out as police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams searched the riverbank for the missing child.
In Pandhana tehsil of Khandwa district, a group of 20-25 villagers from Ardla and Jamli was on their way for immersion when their tractor-trolley overturned into a pond. Authorities have recovered 11 bodies, including those of 8 girls. A crane used to lift the trolley from the water while divers searched the pond for survivors.
10 dead in water, Govt provide 4 lakh compensation to families
Witnesses said the trolley for Durga Immersion is overloaded and tipped over into the pond. Police and district administration teams are on-site, and inquiry is in progress.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences, calling the incidents “extremely tragic.” He announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and instructed that the injured receive immediate treatment at nearby hospitals. “I pray to Goddess Durga for the fast recovery of the injured and strength for the families,” he said.
Read also: How to Shop for Luxury Items in Paris and Get the Best Price