Mandsaur Tragedy: 12 killed as van plunges into well after colliding with bike
   Date :28-Apr-2025

Rescue operations under way at the spot as locals in large numbers
 Rescue operations under way at the spot as locals in large numbers gathered near the spot.
 
 
Staff Reporter :
Twelve people, including a local rescuer and a biker, were killed in a horrific accident after a van, carrying devotees, collided with a motorcycle and then plunged into an open well in Mandsaur district. The accident took place near Budha-Takarwat crossing under Narayangarh police station. Among the deceased was a local villager, Manohar Singh, who died due to toxic gas inhalation while attempting to rescue trapped passengers.
The accident that occurred at around 1:15 pm triggered panic in the area. The van, carrying over 10 passengers from Unhel in Ujjain district to Antari Mata Temple in Manasa, Neemuch district, lost control after hitting a motorcyclist, identified as Gobar Singh from Abakhedi, who also died on-the-spot. The van then plunged into into a well containing 8-10 feet water, trapping several occupants.
 
Special Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) was deployed for rescue operations.
Using ropes and a crane, the team extracted the van and recovered bodies from the well. Water was also pumped out to ensure all could be rescued. Four survivors, including a three-year-old girl, were rescued and admitted to Mandsaur District Hospital. The injured include Maya Keer (26), Priyanshi (3), 
Devendra (12), and Mukesh (27). Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, Collector Aditi Garg, SP Abhishek Anand, Additional SP Gautam Solanki and SDOP Narendra Solanki rushed to the site to monitor the rescue operations. Devda confirmed 13 people, including two children, were in the van. He noted that children were prioritised during the rescue operation and were hospitalised. The operation faced challenges due to poisonous gas in the well, which claimed Manohar Singh’s life during his heroic attempt to save others.
 
The deceased include eight family members from Mandsaur and Ratlam districts, Gobar Singh, Manohar Singh, Kanhaiya Lal Keer, Nagu Singh, Pawan Keer, Dharmendra Singh, Asha Bai, Madhu Bai, Mangu Bai, and Ram Kunwar. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports suggesting the van driver lost control while avoiding to hit the motorcyclist.