SUV Hits Kanwar Yatris in MP, 26 Injured

A speeding SUV struck a procession of Kanwar Yatris on the Mhow-Neemuch highway in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday afternoon, injuring 26 people, four of them critically. The accident occurred when the SUV driver, Krishna Pratap Singh, attempted to bypass traffic congestion on the highway by taking the service road.

The SUV, which was on cruise control, failed to stop before hitting the procession of 180 devotees from the Bholenath Kanwar group. The impact left 11 devotees with serious injuries and heavy bleeding, and they were rushed to Pithampur Civil Hospital. Four of the injured were found to be in critical condition and were referred to an Indore hospital for further treatment.

Another 15 pilgrims sustained minor injuries and sought treatment at nearby private hospitals and clinics. Following the accident, angry pilgrims and bystanders set the SUV on fire after pulling the injured driver out. Police rescued the driver from the crowd and took him into custody.

The Dhar Collector, Rajiv Ranjan Meena, and SP Sachin Sharma visited the accident site and later went to Pithampur Civil Hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured. Officials have directed the police to initiate legal action in connection with the accident.

The accident has raised concerns about road safety and the need for drivers to exercise caution, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons. The police are investigating the incident and will take necessary action against the driver.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of crowd control and management during large gatherings. The police and local authorities have been working to ensure the safety of pilgrims and devotees during the Kanwar Yatra season.

In the meantime, the injured devotees are receiving medical treatment, and their condition is being closely monitored. The authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and to cooperate with the investigation.

The accident is a reminder of the need for vigilance and caution on the roads, especially during peak travel seasons. The police and local authorities will continue to work together to ensure the safety of all road users.

The incident has caused widespread concern and outrage, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent such accidents in the future. The authorities have assured that they will take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents and to ensure the safety of pilgrims and devotees.

In conclusion, the accident in Pithampur is a tragic reminder of the need for road safety and caution. The authorities will continue to investigate the incident and take necessary action to prevent such accidents in the future.