What Happened in the Tragic Road Crash near Raipur?

New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) In a horrific road incident near Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 13 individuals, including women and children, tragically lost their lives when their Swaraj Mazda vehicle collided with a trailer truck on the Raipur-Balodabazar highway.

The victims were on their way back from a family celebration when the accident occurred near the village of Bangoli, under the jurisdiction of the Kharora police station.

Authorities reported that the collision happened around 11:00–11:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The Swaraj Mazda (registration number CG 04 MQ 1259) was transporting relatives of Puneet Sahu, residents of Chatod village. The group had traveled to Bano village in Kharora to attend a Chhathi ceremony (a traditional ritual celebrated on the sixth day after a child's birth) at the home of Neelkanth Sahu.

As they returned from the ceremony, their vehicle collided head-on with a trailer truck (registration number JH 05 DP 7584) near Saragaon, resulting in a devastating crash that claimed 13 lives instantly. Among the deceased were nine women, two girls, one boy, and a six-month-old infant. Several others suffered serious injuries.

District Collector Gaurav Singh confirmed the tragic event, stating, "We received reports around midnight. Our administrative team promptly arrived at the scene and coordinated with nearby hospitals. Thirteen individuals have perished, and approximately 11–12 others are injured. They were provided with initial medical assistance before being transferred to Mekahara Hospital in Raipur for further treatment."

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lal Umed Singh added, "Some residents from Chatod village were traveling in a Swaraj Mazda to attend a Chhathi ceremony in Bano village. Tragically, their vehicle met with an accident near Bangoli late at night."

BJP MLA Anuj Sharma expressed his condolences over the incident, stating, "This is an incredibly sorrowful tragedy. The collision between a trailer and a Mazda vehicle in Bangoli has resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. We are working closely with the administration to ensure that victims’ families receive the necessary support and treatment."

The injured were initially taken to the Community Health Center in Kharora and subsequently referred to Raipur Medical College (Mekahara) for advanced medical care. Rescue operations were conducted swiftly under the supervision of senior police and medical officials.

The district administration has initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports indicating that the collision may have been attributed to high speed and potential driver negligence.