3 killed as onion-laden truck overturns in MP's Dewas district
Synopsis
Five labourers riding atop an onion-laden mini truck in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district paid a fatal price for unsafe travel — three are dead, two critical, after the driver reportedly dozed off at the wheel past midnight and lost control at a sharp curve near Berkhedi crossing.
Key Takeaways
Three labourers — Omprakash Malviya , Akash Bagania , and Vijay Malviya — were killed in the accident, all residents of Balon village .
The crash occurred between 12:30 am and 1:00 am near Berkhedi crossing in Dewas district, Madhya Pradesh .
The driver reportedly dozed off at the wheel, causing the onion-laden mini truck to overturn at a sharp turn.
All five labourers were travelling on top of the onion sacks in the cargo bed at the time of the accident.
The truck's driver and cleaner sustained serious injuries and are under intensive care at a private facility in Sonkachh .
Pipalrava police have registered a case; a post-mortem examination is under way.
Three labourers were killed and two others critically injured early Sunday when a mini truck carrying a heavy load of onions overturned in the Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh, police officials confirmed. The accident occurred between 12:30 am and 1:00 am near the Berkhedi crossing, close to Chaubaradhara, under the jurisdiction of the Pipalrava police station.
How the Accident Unfolded
The mini truck was travelling from the Gandharvapuri area towards Chaubaradhara when the driver reportedly lost control at a sharp turn, causing the vehicle to flip over. Preliminary investigations by the Pipalrava police suggest the driver may have dozed off at the wheel while travelling at high speed, according to officials.
At the time of the crash, five labourers were seated on top of the onion sacks in the truck's cargo bed. The impact of the overturn left the victims trapped beneath the vehicle and the scattered cargo.
Victims Identified, Two Remain Critical
The three deceased have been identified as Omprakash Malviya, Akash Bagania, and Vijay Malviya — all residents of Balon village. Doctors at the Sonkachh Civil Hospital declared them dead on arrival following a medical examination.
The two survivors — identified as the truck's driver and cleaner — sustained severe injuries and are currently undergoing intensive treatment at a private healthcare facility in Sonkachh.
Rescue and Emergency Response
Upon receiving information about the crash, teams from the Pipalrava police station rushed to the site. Local villagers played a critical role in helping emergency responders extricate the victims from the wreckage before they were transported to the Civil Hospital in Sonkachh.
Investigation Under Way
The Pipalrava police have registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact sequence of events. A post-mortem examination of the three deceased is being conducted. Authorities are also working to clear the highway to restore normal traffic flow.
Road accidents involving overloaded or unsafely loaded vehicles remain a persistent concern on Madhya Pradesh's rural highways, particularly during late-night hours when driver fatigue is a known risk factor.
Point of View
Labourers riding unsecured on cargo, and late-night journeys with fatigued drivers. The fact that five workers were seated atop onion sacks — with no protective enclosure — points to a systemic failure in enforcing basic road safety norms for informal labour transport. Driver fatigue enforcement on state highways remains largely absent after midnight. Until freight operators and local administrations are held accountable for how workers are transported, these accidents will keep repeating.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Dewas road accident on 17 May 2025?
A mini truck laden with onions overturned near Berkhedi crossing in Dewas district, Madhya Pradesh, between 12:30 am and 1:00 am on Sunday. Three labourers were killed and two others — the driver and cleaner — were seriously injured.
Who are the victims of the Dewas truck accident?
The three deceased have been identified as Omprakash Malviya, Akash Bagania, and Vijay Malviya, all residents of Balon village. The driver and cleaner of the mini truck survived with critical injuries and are receiving treatment at a private facility in Sonkachh.
What caused the mini truck to overturn in Dewas?
Preliminary police investigations suggest the driver may have dozed off at the wheel while travelling at high speed, causing him to lose control at a sharp turn near Berkhedi crossing. The exact cause is still under investigation.
Where were the injured taken for treatment?
All five victims were initially rushed to the Civil Hospital in Sonkachh. The three labourers were declared dead on arrival, while the driver and cleaner, who sustained severe injuries, were shifted to a private healthcare facility in Sonkachh for intensive treatment.
What action has the police taken after the Dewas accident?
The Pipalrava police have registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation. A post-mortem examination of the three deceased is being conducted, and authorities are working to clear the accident site to restore traffic flow on the highway.
