Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal
Bhopal, Apr 27: A horrific accident in Mandsaur district has left at least five people feared dead after a van carrying devotees veered off the road, struck a biker, and plunged into an open well near the Budha-Takarwat crossing, close to Kachariya Chowpati village in the Narayangarh police station area on Sunday.
The accident also claimed the life of a local rescuer and injured four others. Several passengers remain unaccounted for. Police sources confirmed that the van was attempting to avoid colliding with a biker when it struck the rider, who died on the spot, before careening into the well.
Anil Raghuwanshi, in charge of the Narayangarh police station, stated that the van remains trapped inside the semi-dry well, making it difficult to ascertain the exact number of victims at this stage.
Tragically, Manohar Singh, a local resident who had descended into the well to rescue the trapped occupants, lost his life due to toxic gases from the LPG-powered vehicle or possibly other poisonous gases within the well.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to recover those still trapped and to confirm the total number of casualties.
Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, who arrived at the scene of the tragedy, expressed his sorrow and provided guidance for the rescue efforts. On his X handle, he wrote: “I immediately visited the spot upon hearing about the heartbreaking incident in village Kachariya Chowpati and directed the District Collector and Superintendent of Police to expedite the rescue operation.”
He also conveyed his condolences to the grieving families and instructed authorities to offer all possible support.
Among the rescued were four individuals, including Maya Keer (26) and two children aged three and twelve, along with Mukesh (27). They have been admitted to Mandsaur District Hospital for treatment.
According to preliminary reports, the van was traveling from Unhel in Ujjain district to the Antri Mata Temple in Neemuch district when the accident occurred around 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. The vehicle, believed to have been carrying around ten passengers, fell about fifteen feet into the well.
The incident sparked chaos, and bystanders made valiant efforts to rescue those trapped, though hazardous gases inside the well hampered their efforts.
Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda and district officials, including Collector Aditi Garg, promptly arrived at the scene to manage the rescue operation. Oxygen cylinders were dispatched from the district hospital to assist in the operations. The local community is deeply shaken by the tragedy.
As rescue teams continue their efforts, authorities are working diligently to locate and retrieve those still trapped in the well.