30 April,2026 09:48 AM IST | Dhar | mid-day online correspondent
Family members of those died in a collision between a pick-up van and an SUV on Wednesday night (Pic/PTI)
Sixteen people were killed in a horrific road accident in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh after a pickup van collided with an SUV, news agency ANI reported.
One of the vehicles went out of control and overturned, leaving several others critically injured.
There were approximately 35 people on board the pickup vehicle when it overturned. Between eight-10 patients remain in extremely critical condition, ANI reported.
The van carrying labourers overturned and collided with a sports utility vehicle (SUV) coming from the opposite direction near Chikliya crossing on the Indore-Ahmedabad National Highway on Wednesday night, stated officials.
The victims, many of whom were children and teenagers, have been identified as Tanu/Omesh and Kiran (both aged 9), Sumit and Aayush (both aged 14), and Gokul (15), ANI reported.
The women victims were from the nearby villages of Nayapura, Semlipura, and Rampura. They have been identified as Rinku (19), Ranjana (20), Ranjna (25); Savitri (30), Anguri, Sangeeta, and Bhuri (all aged 35), Sunita (42), Maina and Kanta (both aged 45).
The number of fatalities has been verified by the Indore Divisional Commissioner. Union Minister of State Savitri Thakur and Indore Divisional Commissioner Dr Sudam Khade visited the hospital to meet the survivors.
The mishap occurred when a pickup vehicle carrying approximately 35 passengers lost control and flipped over on the road.
Thakur assured the survivors and their families of all possible assistance. She also instructed doctors to provide the best possible medical care to the victims.
"We visited the hospital to meet those injured in the unfortunate incident. The government stands firmly with them during this time. I have issued clear instructions to the doctors to provide top-quality treatment without any negligence. We pray for their speedy recovery," said Thakur.
Critically injured patients are being referred to Indore for advanced medical treatment after receiving primary care. The local administration is investigating the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest the vehicle was overloaded beyond its capacity, which may have been a major contributing factor to this painful tragedy.
(With ANI inputs)
