ALBAWABA- At least 13 people, including 10 children, were killed in two separate accidents during Durga idol immersion processions in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, marred by Vijayadashami celebrations and raising urgent safety concerns.
The first incident occurred near Ujjain’s Ingoria area, where a tractor-trolley carrying devotees plunged into the Chambal River.
Police said a 12-year-old boy accidentally started the ignition, causing the vehicle to crash through a railing. Twelve children were thrown into the river; 11 were rescued by locals, but two later died, while one remains missing despite intensive searches by police and State Disaster Response Force teams.
#BREAKING | 10 Children Among 13 Killed During Durga Immersion In Madhya Pradesh
— NDTV (@ndtv) October 2, 2025
NDTV's @Anurag_Dwary Reports pic.twitter.com/9arDjhHdv1
The second, deadlier accident took place in Khandwa district’s Pandhana tehsil, where an overcrowded tractor-trolley overturned into a pond, killing 11 people, including eight girls, from nearby villages Ardla and Jamli. Rescue teams used divers and cranes to recover the victims.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called the events “extremely tragic,” offering condolences and announcing ₹4 lakh ($4,800) compensation for each victim’s family. He ordered immediate medical care for the injured and directed officials to investigate overloading and safety lapses.
