IN a major road accident reported on the Raipur-Balodabazar main road, near the capital at least thirteen people including three children lost their lives when a passenger-laden Swaraj Mazda collided with a trailer truck near Saragaon highway late Sunday night. As per reports the number of casualties may increase as the condition of some of the injured are stated to be critical. The victims, all members of Sahu family from Chataud village, were returning from a chhathi ceremony held in village Bana Banarsi under Kharora police station limits, when tragedy struck around 11.30 pm. The vehicle, reportedly overcrowded with 40 to 50 passengers, first hit another vehicle before crashing head on into a trailer bearing registration number JH-05 DP-7584. According to police, the trailer was transporting machinery parts and was trying to avoid a toll plaza by taking an alternate route.

 

A portion of the machinery -iron parts protruding nearly three feet on both sides-struck the mini truck (Swaraj Mazda), causing the deadly collision. The mini truck subsequently lost control and collided with another truck coming from behind the trailer, killing 10 women, two girls and a boy on the spot and leaving 14 others critically injured. The deceased include Eklavya Sahu (6) of Mohandi village; Bhoomi Sahu of Anandgaon; Umang Sahu (4 months) and Rajbati Sahu (60) of Nagpura, Mandir Hasoud; Varsha Sahu (27) of Berla; Mahima Sahu (18) of Gondwara, Khamtarai; Kunti Sahu, Kriti Sahu, and Tikeshwari Sahu, all from Chataud village; Nandani Sahu, Prabha Sahu and Geeta Sahu, all from Mohandi. The impact of the collision was so devastating that bodies were mangled beyond recognition and human remains were scattered across the road, leaving bystanders shocked. Rescue operations had to be conducted under extreme caution as several bodies were trapped between the wreckage of the two vehicles. Following the accident, ambulances were rushed from Kharora to Raipur. Passersby stopped to help, assisting in placing the injured into ambulances. Initially taken to a private hospital, the critically injured were later referred to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur,

 

 

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his profound grief over the road accident. Taking to PMO’s X account, he conveyed his condolences and announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims’ families. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a road accident in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” Prime Minister Modi wrote. The PM announced that an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased. Furthermore, the injured individuals would receive Rs 50,000.

 

 

President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her heartfelt sorrow on demise of women and children. “The news of the death of many people, including children and women, in a road accident in Raipur, Chhattisgarh is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” wrote President Droupadi Murmu on her official X handle.

 

 

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao has expressed deep sorrow and condolences following the tragic road accident that claimed 13 lives on the Raipur-Balodabazar road. “A heart-wrenching road accident has occurred, 13 people have died, and it is heartbreaking. I pay my tribute to the deceased people and express condolence to their relatives,” Sao stated. He assured that a thorough investigation into the incident will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible, he affirmed. Deputy Chief Minister Sao also mentioned that Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is actively monitoring the situation and is in constant communication with officials. “Most of the accidents happen due to violations of laws, and some cases of toll evasions, as appeared to be in this case, are also being reported,” Sao noted. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and assured that decisive action would be taken after investigation.

 

 

 A tragic road accident near Kharora in Raipur district on Sunday night resulted in the death of at least 13 people, prompting strong reactions from the State Congress. State Congress President Deepak Baij expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. In a statement released earlier today, Baij paid tribute to the deceased and wished a swift recovery to those injured in the accident. Baij criticized the compensation amount announced for the victims as insufficient and demanded that the State government immediately provide Rs 50 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 10 lakh to each of the injured. He also urged the government to ensure that there is no negligence in the medical treatment being provided to the injured. Expressing serious concern over the recurring road accidents in Chhattisgarh, Baij called upon the State government to formulate a concrete action plan to prevent such incidents in the future.

 

He specifically emphasized the need to strictly enforce regulations prohibiting the transportation of passengers in goods vehicles. Recalling a similar tragedy in Pandariya of Kabirdham district a year ago, where 19 lives were lost when a pickup vehicle overturned, Baij pointed out that despite demands for stricter enforcement, the government failed to take adequate precautions. He lamented that the continued practice of carrying passengers and wedding processions in goods carriers has now led to another devastating accident.