Bhopal/Indore, Oct 3 (NationPress) In a tragic series of immersion-related incidents across Madhya Pradesh, a devastating accident occurred in Anjangaon village, under the jurisdiction of Pandhana police station in Khandwa district. A DJ (disc jockey) vehicle lost control and collided with a group of devotees engaged in an idol immersion procession, resulting in the death of one young man and injuries to four others.

The unfortunate event transpired on Thursday. The victim, identified as Ramdas, was dancing to the DJ music during the procession when the incident occurred, according to a police spokesperson.

This series of accidents has escalated the total fatalities across Madhya Pradesh to 17 within a mere two days, raising urgent questions about the safety protocols in place during religious processions.

The speeding DJ vehicle, which was part of another procession, approached from behind and struck the group, causing chaos and panic. Local residents quickly came to the aid of the injured, transporting them to Pandhana Health Centre, where two were later referred to Khandwa District Hospital due to severe injuries.

The driver of the DJ vehicle fled the scene immediately following the accident. In a furious response, locals set the stationary DJ vehicle on fire.

Police forces, led by CSP Abhinav Barange, Tehsildar Mahesh Solanki, and Moghat TI Dhiresh Dharwal, arrived promptly to manage the situation. They also visited the district hospital to monitor the condition of the injured and to oversee post-mortem arrangements for the deceased.

In a related incident in Shahdol district, two young individuals tragically drowned in the Son River during immersion rituals, further increasing the death toll linked to immersion activities.

Authorities are conducting investigations into both incidents. A search operation is underway to apprehend the fleeing DJ vehicle driver. Police are urging the public to stay calm and assist with the ongoing inquiry.

The string of accidents has ignited a renewed discussion on the necessity for stricter regulations concerning immersion processions, particularly those involving larger vehicles and sound systems.

Civil society organizations and local leaders are calling on the administration to implement crowd control measures, conduct vehicle safety inspections, and designate immersion zones to avert further tragedies.

Previously, 11 individuals, including eight children, perished in an incident related to the immersion of a Goddess Durga idol, while another two lost their lives in a separate but similar occurrence when a tractor trolley fell into a river near Ujjain.