At least 11 persons, including eight minors, lost their lives after a tractor-trolley carrying devotees for Durga idol immersion toppled into a pond in Khandwa district on Thursday (October 2, 2025), officials confirmed.
Tragedy during immersion ritual
The incident occurred around 5 p.m. in Jamli Kalan village under Pandhana tehsil when a tractor-trolley with about 25–30 people was parked on a makeshift culvert for the immersion of a Durga idol. The trolley lost balance and overturned, plunging passengers into the water.
Among the victims were eight girls aged between 14 and 16. Several others sustained injuries in the mishap.
Rescue efforts and eyewitness accounts
Khandwa Collector Rishav Gupta said 11 bodies were recovered after a rescue operation lasting over four hours, involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), home guard personnel, and local police.
“Locals of Jamli village acted immediately by jumping into the water and saved many people. Unfortunately, those who were trapped under the trolley could not be rescued,” Gupta told The Hindu.
He added that the victims were residents of neighbouring Rajgarh village. The Collector also said that the tractor driver ignored warnings from locals and a home guard stationed near the immersion site before the vehicle overturned.
“The driver is absconding. Police are searching for him, and legal action will be initiated once he is arrested,” Gupta said, noting that the idol had been jointly arranged by young boys and girls of the village.
Leaders express grief, announce ex gratia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the accident and announced financial aid 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. An ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also conveyed condolences and announced state-level compensation.
“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,” Yadav said in a statement.
A festival turned into mourning
The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the region, where Durga idol immersion is a significant part of the Navratri festivities. What was meant to be a moment of devotion and celebration turned into a tragedy, leaving families mourning the loss of young lives.
Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible, while also reviewing safety measures at immersion sites to prevent such incidents in the future.