What Happened in Shahdol: Three Women Killed in a Road Accident?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Three women tragically lost their lives in a road accident during heavy rain.
- Fifteen others, including children, were injured.
- The accident occurred while returning from a pilgrimage to Ayodhya.
- Local residents played a crucial role in the rescue efforts.
- Continuous rainfall has severely affected the region.
Shahdol, July 7 (NationPress) Tragically, three women perished and 15 others, including children, were injured when a speeding multi-utility vehicle crashed into a tree near Jora village in Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol district on Monday.
As per police reports, four of the injured are in critical condition and have been taken to Shahdol Medical College.
The accident transpired around 4:45 a.m. in the Beohari police station area during heavy rainfall, as the group was returning to Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, after a pilgrimage to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
The vehicle, registered as CG10-BP-8657, was transporting 20 passengers—mostly women and children from the same extended family.
The force of the collision was so intense that three women died instantly. They have been identified as 55-year-old Gayatri Kavar, 50-year-old Malti Patel, and Indira Bai. Four others suffered severe injuries and were initially taken to Beohari Hospital before being moved to Shahdol Medical College for further treatment.
Station in-charge Arun Pandey confirmed that the accident site was soaked due to the overnight rainfall, likely leading to poor visibility and slippery road conditions.
Meteorological records for Shahdol on the day of the incident indicated a 57 percent chance of rain, with over 1.7 cm of rainfall and humidity reaching 96 percent. The area remained under a heavy rain advisory throughout the day.
Local residents were the first responders, promptly alerting authorities and aiding in the rescue operations. Police teams arrived soon after to transport the injured.
Initial investigations imply that the vehicle was traveling at a high speed when the driver lost control, possibly due to fatigue or the slippery road. Officer Arun Pandey noted that mechanical failure has not been excluded, and the vehicle is under examination for further insights.
Meanwhile, unrelenting rainfall over the past two days has significantly disrupted life in Shahdol district. Flooding has affected three wards, including the surgical unit, of Kushabhau Thackeray District Hospital, necessitating the relocation of patients.
Shilpi Saraf, Civil Surgeon of Shahdol District Hospital, informed IANS that both male and female surgical wards were flooded, prompting the transfer of patients to other areas. Reports also highlighted that the medical college was isolated for several hours due to an overflowing drain, stranding patients and staff.
Additionally, platforms one and two at Shahdol railway station were submerged, halting train operations for four hours and causing delays for five trains.