What Caused the Fog-Related Crash on the Indore-Bhopal Highway?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two fatalities and three critical injuries occurred due to a fog-related accident.
- The accident highlights the need for improved road safety measures.
- Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as locals rushed to help.
- The truck driver is currently under investigation.
- Authorities are planning increased patrolling during foggy conditions.
Bhopal/Sehore, Nov 27 (NationPress) Tragedy struck on the Indore-Bhopal National Highway early Thursday morning, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving three others in critical condition. The incident occurred close to Darbar Dhaba in Sehore district around 6 a.m. when a vehicle transporting five members of the Nema family collided with a moving truck near a rehabilitation center, Sainkrakhed. Thick fog significantly impaired visibility, leading authorities to believe the driver was unable to see the truck in time. The car was traveling at a high rate of speed and lost control, crashing head-on into the truck's rear, effectively demolishing the front of the car.
The deceased have been identified as Sandhya Nema (56) from Indore and her nephew Mridang Nema (28) from Bhopal, both of whom succumbed to their injuries immediately due to the severe impact.
According to police station in charge Vikram Adarsh, the three individuals who sustained serious injuries—Neelam Nema (40), Sanjeev Nema (45), and another family member—were promptly taken to the district hospital.
“Subsequently, Neelam and Sanjeev were transferred to Bhopal and then moved to a private medical facility due to their critical condition,” the officer stated.
Witnesses at the scene recounted the chaos that ensued as locals and travelers rushed to help. “The fog was dense. Suddenly, we heard a loud crash and saw the wrecked vehicle. People began shouting for help,” recounted a tea-stall owner near Darbar Dhaba.
Initial investigations conducted by Kotwali Police suggest the family was en route to Indore for a potential family gathering.
“The combination of high speed and poor visibility due to fog seems to be the main cause. The truck was on the road but lacked adequate warning signs,” the official added, noting, “The injured stated that the truck driver suddenly braked, leaving them with no time to regain control of their vehicle.”
The truck driver is currently in custody for questioning, while the deceased's bodies have been sent for autopsy. A case has been registered under the appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
This incident marks the second significant fog-related accident on the Indore-Bhopal highway within 24 hours, highlighting the hazardous mix of winter fog, speeding, and insufficient reflective signage on heavy vehicles.
Authorities managing the highway have committed to enhancing patrolling efforts and establishing fog-safety teams during early morning hours.