Daijiworld Media Network - Barwani

Barwani, Nov 2: At least 16 passengers were injured early Sunday morning when a private bus traveling from Bhopal to Alirajpur overturned near Talwada Deb in the Anjad police station area of Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh. Authorities confirmed that all injuries were non-life-threatening, offering some relief after the mishap.

The accident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on the Barwani–Thikri Highway when the driver reportedly swerved sharply to avoid an animal that suddenly ran onto the road, causing the vehicle to lose balance and topple over.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dheeraj Babbar said, “A passenger bus travelling from Bhopal overturned near Talwada in the Anjad area. Preliminary findings suggest that the driver lost control after an animal unexpectedly crossed the road.”

Eyewitnesses described moments of chaos as the bus, carrying several commuters, skidded and flipped on the dimly lit stretch. Luggage and passengers were thrown from the vehicle as it came to rest on its side.

Local residents quickly rushed to the spot, helping pull victims from the wreckage before emergency teams arrived. Police, along with district administration and rescue personnel, reached the scene shortly after, ensuring a swift evacuation of the injured.

All 16 injured passengers, including men, women, and children, were taken to nearby hospitals in Anjad and Barwani, where doctors reported cases of fractures, bruises, and minor head injuries. Most of the victims are said to be stable and recovering under observation.

Traffic along the highway remained disrupted for several hours as cranes and recovery teams worked to clear the overturned bus and restore movement.

Authorities said the bus was operated by a private transport company and was on a regular inter-district route between Bhopal and Alirajpur.

Investigators are examining multiple factors behind the accident, including road conditions, potential overspeeding, and vehicle maintenance, with the sudden animal crossing identified as the primary cause. The district administration has also assured assistance and compensation to the affected families.