Tractor-trolley with Kanwar pilgrims plunges off bridge in MP's Dhar, 20 injured
Synopsis
A tractor-trolley carrying around 30 Kanwar pilgrims plunged off a bridge in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh on the final Sawan Monday, injuring 20 — six to seven critically. Steering failure is the suspected cause, and at least two of the most seriously hurt have been rushed to Indore. The incident renews scrutiny of overloaded pilgrim vehicles on rural roads during the Kanwar Yatra season.
Key Takeaways
A tractor-trolley carrying around 30 Kanwar pilgrims fell off a bridge in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh on 24 August .
Around 20 devotees were injured; six to seven are in critical condition with head, waist, arm, and abdominal injuries.
At least two critically injured pilgrims were referred to Indore for advanced treatment.
The tractor's steering allegedly failed on the bridge, about 1 km from Kadmal village , under Kukshi police station.
Police and local residents conducted a rescue operation; an investigation into the exact cause is under way.
Around 20 Kanwar pilgrims were injured — several of them critically — when a tractor-trolley they were travelling in plunged off a bridge in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday, 24 August, according to police. The vehicle was carrying approximately 30 devotees at the time of the accident.
How the Accident Unfolded
The pilgrims, known as Kanwariyas, were en route to the Narmada River near Old Chikhalda to collect holy water as part of the Kanwar Yatra — observed on the fourth and final Monday of the sacred Sawan month. The accident occurred on a bridge approximately one kilometre from Kadmal village, under the Nisarpur police outpost of Kukshi police station.
According to police, the tractor's steering allegedly failed as the vehicle reached the bridge, causing the driver to lose control. The tractor-trolley then veered off the bridge, sending the pilgrims aboard tumbling down.
Rescue and Medical Response
Local residents and police launched an immediate rescue operation upon receiving news of the crash. The injured were administered first aid at the scene before being transported to hospital for further treatment.
A police officer said: 'Information was received about a tractor-trolley carrying devotees falling from the bridge. A police team immediately reached the spot and, with the help of local residents, rescued the injured and shifted them for treatment.'
Dr S.N. Patidar of Barwani District Hospital confirmed that 20 injured persons from Dhar had been admitted to the facility. 'Six to seven patients are in critical condition. They have suffered injuries to their heads, waists, arms, and abdomens. Some of the seriously injured have been referred to Indore for advanced treatment,' he said.
Critical Cases Referred to Indore
At least two devotees in critical condition were referred to Indore for specialised care, while the remaining injured are being treated at Barwani District Hospital. Injuries reported include trauma to the head, waist, arms, and abdomen — consistent with a high-impact fall.
Investigation Under Way
Police have launched a formal investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident. While steering failure has been cited as the primary trigger, authorities said they are examining whether any additional factors contributed to the crash. This comes amid recurring concerns about the safety of overloaded tractors used to transport pilgrims during religious processions across rural India — a pattern that has led to fatal accidents in previous years.
With the Sawan season drawing to a close, authorities are expected to review safety protocols for Kanwar Yatra convoys in the region.
Point of View
Load limits, and designated routes — the pattern of preventable tragedy will recur every monsoon season.
NationPress
24 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Dhar bridge accident on 24 August?
A tractor-trolley carrying around 30 Kanwar pilgrims fell off a bridge in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh on 24 August, injuring approximately 20 people. The pilgrims were travelling to the Narmada River to collect holy water as part of the Kanwar Yatra on the final Monday of Sawan.
How many people were injured and how serious are the injuries?
Around 20 devotees were injured, with six to seven reported to be in critical condition. Injuries include trauma to the head, waist, arms, and abdomen. At least two of the most seriously injured were referred to Indore for advanced medical care.
What caused the tractor-trolley to fall off the bridge?
According to police, the tractor's steering allegedly failed as it reached the bridge, causing the driver to lose control. Authorities have launched an investigation to confirm the exact cause and determine whether any other factors were involved.
Where were the injured taken for treatment?
The injured were initially given first aid at the scene before being shifted to Barwani District Hospital, where 20 patients were admitted. Those in critical condition were referred to hospitals in Indore for specialised treatment.
What is the Kanwar Yatra and why were pilgrims on this route?
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage during the holy month of Sawan, in which devotees — called Kanwariyas — travel to rivers such as the Narmada to collect sacred water and offer it at Shiva temples. The pilgrims in this accident were heading to the Narmada River near Old Chikhalda on the fourth and final Monday of Sawan.
