One Dead, Over 20 Injured As Kanwariyas’ Tractor-Trolley Falls From Bridge In MP's Dhar

Dhar (Madhya Pradesh): One Kanwariya died and more than 20 were injured after a tractor-trolley carrying devotees plunged off a bridge near Kadmal village in Dhar district on Monday.

Two seriously injured devotees were referred to Indore, while 19 are undergoing treatment at Barwani District Hospital.

The devotees from Kadmal were travelling towards Koteshwar near Old Chikhalda to collect Narmada water for 'Jalabhishek' on the fourth Monday of Shravan when the accident occurred about a kilometre from the village, under Nisarpur police outpost of Kukshi police station.

According to preliminary information, the tractor's steering allegedly failed while it was crossing the bridge. The driver lost control and the tractor-trolley plunged about 10 to 12 feet below the bridge.

The accident triggered panic and cries for help. Local villagers and passersby rushed to the spot and began rescuing devotees trapped in the trolley.

Teams from Nisarpur police outpost and Kukshi police also reached the scene and joined the rescue operation.

The injured were taken by ambulances to Nisarpur and a nearby health centre for first aid before being referred to Barwani District Hospital.

Earlier, Dr SN Patidar of Barwani District Hospital had said 20 injured people from Dhar were admitted with injuries to their heads, waists, arms and abdomens.

Police said around 30 devotees were travelling in the tractor-trolley when the accident occurred. A crane was brought in to retrieve the vehicle from below the bridge.

Police have launched an investigation to establish the exact cause of the accident and determine whether factors other than the suspected steering failure contributed to the crash.

The administration is also monitoring the treatment of the injured and relief operations.