Security personnel and locals gather during a rescue operation after at least eleven devotees drowned when a tractor trolley carrying Durga idols for immersion plunged in a lake, in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
At least 11 persons, including eight minors, were killed after a tractor trolley, carrying devotees for Durga idol immersion, toppled and fell into a pond in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district on Thursday (October 2, 2025), officials said.According to officials, the incident took place around 5 p.m. in Jamli Kalan village of Khandwa’s Pandhana tehsil when a tractor-trolley, laden with around 25-30 people, was parked on a makeshift culvert to immerse the Durga idol, when it lost balance and overturned, plunging the passengers into the water. The victims included eight girls aged around 14-16. Khandwa Collector Rishav Gupta told The Hindu that 11 bodies have been recovered after over four-hour search and rescue operation by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the home guard and the local police. “Thankfully, the locals of Jamli village jumped into the water immediately and saved many people. Unfortunately, those who got trapped under the trolley could not be saved,” the Collector said, adding that the victims hailed from neighbouring Rajgarh village. Mr. Gupta said the locals and a home guard posted near the immersion site had warned the tractor driver against going ahead but he did not listen, and the tractor plunged into water after losing control. “The driver is absconding and the police are searching for him. We will initiate legal action against him once he is nabbed,” the Collector said, adding that the idol had been kept collectively by some young boys and girls who had come for the immersion.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in an accident at Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in an X post. Mr. Yadav said, “I have issued instructions to provide assistance of ₹4 lakh to the immediate family members of the deceased and to ensure that the injured receive proper treatment in the nearest hospital. I pray to Devi Ma Durga for the speedy recovery of all the injured and for strength to the grief-stricken families.” Published - October 02, 2025 10:32 pm IST
