Dhar

The death toll in a road accident involving a pick-up van and an SUV in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district has risen to 16, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The mishap took place late Wednesday night near Chikliya crossing on the Indore-Ahmedabad National Highway when a pick-up vehicle carrying labourers overturned and collided with an oncoming SUV. Initial reports had put the number of fatalities at 12, but four more victims later died from their injuries, raising the toll.

Indore Divisional Commissioner Dr Sudam P. Khade described the incident as deeply tragic, noting that around 46 people, mostly labourers, were travelling in the van at the time. He initially confirmed 15 deaths, after which another injured person succumbed, according to Dhar district hospital’s civil surgeon Dr Mukund Burman.

Khade said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav have directed authorities to ensure prompt medical care and adequate arrangements for all those affected.

Senior officials, including the divisional commissioner and the inspector general, supervised relief and rescue efforts at the site. Seven critically injured persons have been shifted to Indore for advanced treatment, while 15 others are being treated locally. Authorities said patients admitted in Dhar are currently stable, but arrangements are in place for further referrals if needed.

Medical teams have also been mobilised in Indore to handle the influx of injured and to ensure there are no delays in treatment.

The accident occurred between 8.30 pm and 9 pm on Wednesday as the labourers were returning home from Baggad in Dhar district. Police said the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chikliya crossing, leading to the collision. A case has been registered by Tirla police, and an investigation is underway.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Chief Minister Yadav also declared financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the kin of each deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for others hurt in the accident.

READ MORE: RJ Saima's Purani Jeans revived love of golden era music among youth

Dhar district in-charge minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has instructed local authorities to ensure proper medical care for the injured. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, who hails from Dhar, also conveyed his condolences over the tragedy.