Tragic accident in Kawardha – 18 dead and over 8 injured as Pickup Truck plunges into 20-ft deep pit

Raipur Nineteen Laborers, Including Three Minors, Die in Tragic Accident in Chhattisgarh

Raipur
In a devastating accident, nineteen laborers, including three minors, lost their lives when an overcrowded speeding pickup truck plunged into a 20-ft deep pit in Kawardha district. The incident, which resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, has led political leaders to express their condolences and pledge support for the affected families.

The tragedy occurred on Monday afternoon near Bahpani village in the Kukdur police station area of Kawardha district. An overcrowded pickup truck, carrying 25 laborers, fell into a deep pit. Kawardha district Superintendent of Police Dr. Abhishek Pallava confirmed that eighteen of the deceased were women, while one was a man. All the victims were returning home after plucking tendu leaves. Four additional laborers sustained injuries in the accident.
Dr. Pallava reported that thirteen laborers died at the scene, while six others succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Among the injured, three were women and one was a man.

The deceased have been identified as:
Bismat Bai (45)
Lila Bai (35)
Parsadiya Bai (30)
Bharti (13)
Sunti Bai (45)
Mila Bai (48)
Tiku Bai (40)
Sirdari (45)
Janiya Bai (35)
Mungiya Bai (60)
Jhamlo Bai (62)
Siya Bai (30)
Kiran (15)
Patorin Bai (35)
Dhanaiya Bai (48)
Shanti Bai (35)
Pyari Bai (40)
Sonam Bai (16)
The injured have been identified as:

Munni Bai (45)
Dhanbai (52)
Mamta (22)
Gulab Singh (50)
Local residents contradicted the police claims, stating that there were 30 to 35 people in the pickup at the time of the accident. They suspect brake failure as the cause.

Local villagers quickly arrived to assist the injured immediately following the accident.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao stated that the pickup vehicle fell into the pit due to brake failure. “Around 30 laborers were returning home in the pickup vehicle when the mishap occurred,” he said.

Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma and Kawardha SP Dr. Abhishek Pallava visited the accident site to evaluate the situation. They mentioned that an investigation will be conducted, and appropriate actions will be taken to support the families of the deceased and the injured individuals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Congress State President Deepak Baij expressed deep condolences for the victims of the accident.

A speeding pickup truck overturned and fell into a 20-ft deep pit in Kawardha, Chhattisgarh, resulting in the deaths of 18 people and injuring 8 others. Four of the injured have been referred to a higher center for treatment. All the victims belong to the tribal community. The accident occurred near Bahpani village in the Kukdur police station area.
According to police, 17 of the deceased were women, including three young girls among the fatalities. The injured have been shifted to the hospital. During the accident, the pickup was carrying around 30 people who were returning to their village after collecting tendu leaves. The crash was so severe that 13 people died on the spot.
Contrary to police claims, locals say that there were 30 to 35 people in the pickup at the time of the accident, and they suspect brake failure as the cause.
Local villagers rushed to assist the injured immediately after the accident.
It is reported that all the passengers were from Semhara village and were traveling in the pickup. They were returning to their village around 2 PM.
The victims are Mila Bai (48), Tiku Bai (40), Sirdari (45), Jania Bai (35), Mungia Bai (60), Jhangalo Bai (62), Siya Bai (50), Kiran (15), Patorin Bai (35), Dhanaiya Bai (48), Shanti Bai (35), Pyari Bai (40),  Sonam Bai (16), Vismat Bai (45), Leela Bai (35),  Parsadiya Bai (30), Bharti (13), and Sunty Bai (45).
The pickup was severely damaged after falling into the 20-feet deep pit, with injured and deceased individuals scattered around.