Raipur/Kabirdham, March 29 (NationPress) At least ten individuals, including the driver, sustained serious injuries when a pickup truck transporting a catering team careened into a steep gorge at Dhanikhuta Ghat in Chhattisgarh's Kabirdham district.

Reports indicate that four of the injured are in critical condition and have been transferred to the District Hospital in Kawardha for urgent medical intervention.

The truck was traveling from Lohara to the Rengakhar forest area late Saturday night, carrying staff preparing food for an upcoming wedding.

As the vehicle approached a sharp bend at the hazardous Dhanikhuta Ghat, the driver apparently lost control, causing the truck to veer off the narrow roadway and plunge about 15 feet into the gorge below, resulting in panic at the scene.

Dhanikhuta Ghat is notorious for its challenging terrain, steep inclines, and narrow paths, classifying it as a high-risk area for road accidents.

Local residents and bystanders quickly initiated rescue efforts, struggling to extract all injured parties from the gorge.

The 'Dial 112' emergency response team arrived shortly after and facilitated the transport of the victims. Initially, the injured were taken to the Community Health Centre in Sahaspur Lohara, where they received preliminary medical assistance.

Following initial evaluation, doctors referred the four critically injured individuals—among whom was the driver, who sustained the most severe injuries—to the District Hospital in Kawardha. The other six victims are currently under medical observation.

This recent incident has once again highlighted the inadequate road safety measures along this ghat section. Residents have long called for the installation of proper crash barriers, warning signage, speed bumps, and improved road widening to avert such accidents. The challenging topography and high-speed travel have led to numerous minor and major incidents on this route in the past.

Authorities have filed a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the accident.

Initial inquiries suggest possible contributing factors such as over-speeding, mechanical failure, or driver fatigue, although official confirmation is pending.

This occurrence has raised concerns within local communities, particularly as the wedding season increases the activity of catering teams and guests on these roads. District administration officials have promised to review and enhance necessary safety measures as a priority.