Six people were killed and 11 others injured after a 16-wheeler wheat-laden truck rammed into a stationary mini goods vehicle at Markatola Ghat on National Highway-30 in Balod district, Chhattisgarh, on Friday, 25 September 2025, officials confirmed. The accident occurred around noon in the Purur police station area, and rescue teams worked through heavy rain to extricate victims buried under sacks of wheat.

What Happened at Markatola Ghat

The stationary vehicle was carrying members of a Dhumal music troupe travelling from Kawardha (Kabirdham) to Jagdalpur. The vehicle had broken down near Markatola Ghat and was parked on the roadside. Some occupants had stepped away to find a mechanic when the truck, travelling from Raipur towards Jagdalpur, struck the parked vehicle with considerable force, dragging it approximately 50 metres before overturning.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bodies of the deceased and injured were buried under sacks of wheat following the collision, significantly complicating rescue efforts.

Rescue Operations and Casualties

Rescue teams from two police stations, assisted by local residents, worked in heavy rainfall to remove wheat sacks and debris and extricate the victims. The injured were transported by ambulance to Dhamtari District Hospital.

Balod's Additional Superintendent of Police Chandrakant Govarna confirmed that two persons died on the spot, while four others succumbed during treatment. Of the 11 injured, seven in critical condition were referred to Raipur for advanced medical care. All deceased were residents of Kawardha. Several injured persons remained in a state of shock, and their identities could not be ascertained immediately.

Chief Minister's Response

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep grief over the tragedy in a post on X. He wrote: 'The news of the untimely demise of many people in the horrific road accident at Markatola Ghat in Balod district is extremely saddening. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this heartbreaking incident. I pray for the peace of the departed souls and the speedy recovery of the injured. Necessary instructions have been issued to the authorities to ensure proper treatment of the injured. The Chhattisgarh government stands with the affected families in this hour of grief.'

Investigation Under Way

The truck driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, and police have launched a search to apprehend him. A formal case has been registered and an investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. Post-mortem examinations of the deceased were under way as of Friday evening. This accident on NH-30 — a key arterial route in Chhattisgarh — adds to a pattern of heavy-vehicle collisions at ghat sections, where sharp curves and parked vehicles have historically posed significant risks.