Khandwa, Oct 2 — Ten devotees, including three minors, died on Thursday when a tractor-trolley carrying idols of Goddess Durga for immersion overturned and plunged into a lake in Khandwa district, police said.
The accident occurred in Pandhana area as the vehicle, loaded with idols and carrying nearly 30 villagers, headed toward the immersion site. “So far, 10 bodies have been recovered with the help of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and local divers,” said Inspector General of Police (Indore rural range) Anurag. “Three injured persons were rescued and admitted to the hospital. Search and rescue operations are still under way.”
Authorities said another SDRF team has been dispatched to assist in operations. “We have learnt that five to six devotees have survived,” Anurag added, noting that an investigation into the cause of the mishap has been launched.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed sorrow over the tragedy and announced an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh each for the families of the deceased. In a post on X, he said the state government stands with the bereaved families in this difficult time.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. O.P. Jugtawat confirmed that three injured devotees were admitted to Khandwa district hospital. He said the victims were among about 30 passengers of varying ages traveling in the ill-fated trolley.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the tractor sank, with villagers rushing to the site to search for their relatives. A large crowd soon gathered to assist rescue workers and divers in retrieving victims from the water.
