MP: Tractor-trolley overturns in pond during Durga idol immersion; 11 drown

INDORE: Vijayadashami celebrations ended in a tragedy as 11 people, mostly teenagers, drowned on Thursday evening when a tractor-trolley carrying devotees who had gone for Durga idol immersion overturned in a pond in Ardala village of MP’s Khandwa district. The accident took place when the tractor-trolley, carrying about 20-25 people, lost balance and toppled into the water.

Officials said a local kotwar had cautioned the driver against taking the tractor-trolley into the water body, but the warning was ignored. The vehicle, while reversing, likely hit a stone and overturned, throwing all occupants into the pond. Many managed to swim to safety, but 11 could not be rescued, said DIG Bahuguna.

CM Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased. Khandwa DIG Siddharth Bahuguna said seven of the deceased were females and that there were eight minors among the dead.

Idol immersion: JCB deployed to pull out trolley

Three others were admitted to hospital. One remains critical while the other two are out of danger,” Khandwa DIG Siddharth Bahuguna said. Rescue operations began immediately, with police, administration and local teams rushing to the spot. A JCB machine was deployed to pull out the trolley. By 6pm, 10 bodies had been recovered, and after a three-hour search, the body of the last missing child — an eight-year-old girl — was found around 8.45pm.