Tragedy Strikes Durga Immersion: Tractor Plunges into MP Lake, Claiming Multiple Lives

A pall of grief has descended upon the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh following a tragic accident during a Durga idol immersion procession that claimed at least nine lives. The devastating incident occurred on Tuesday, September 19, when a tractor-trolley, laden with devotees and Durga idols, careened out of control and plunged into the Sukta river, near the Safwan village.

The ill-fated vehicle was part of a vibrant procession making its way to immerse the idols as part of the ongoing Durga Puja festivities.

Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of sudden horror as the tractor, reportedly due to the driver losing control, veered sharply and overturned into the water body. The momentum sent both the vehicle and its occupants hurtling into the river, trapping many under the submerged trolley.

The immediate aftermath saw a desperate scramble by locals, who bravely jumped into the river to initiate rescue efforts even before official help arrived.

Their heroic actions managed to pull several individuals to safety, but for many, it was too late. Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams soon joined the operation, working tirelessly to retrieve those trapped and recover the bodies from the murky waters. The scale of the tragedy became painfully clear as bodies, including those of women and children, were recovered one by one.

Authorities confirmed that at least nine individuals perished in the accident.

While initial reports varied, the official count settled on nine fatalities. The incident has cast a shadow over the festive atmosphere, turning celebration into mourning for the affected families. The deceased were identified as residents of Safwan and neighboring villages, leaving behind a community in shock and sorrow.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his profound grief over the incident, announcing an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person.

The government has also assured all possible assistance to the injured and the affected families, as investigations into the exact cause of the accident continue. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the safety precautions that must be rigorously observed during large gatherings and processions, especially near water bodies, to prevent such devastating losses in the future.