The victims were travelling in a Tavera vehicle en route to a wedding when the driver reportedly lost control in poor visibility. The vehicle veered off the road and fell directly into the pit-like pond in the Kotwali police station area. Three occupants died at the scene, while the injured were rushed to the district hospital by local residents using private vehicles before emergency services arrived.

Authorities identified the deceased as Rajesh Lodhi, 35; driver Sonu Lodhi, 30; and Chandrashekhar, 35. Among the injured, several sustained fractures and chest or abdominal trauma. Doctors said 45-year-old Bhavsingh Lodhi and 10-year-old Rituraj Lodhi were in critical condition and required specialised care. One of them was later referred to a hospital in Bhopal for advanced treatment.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Anoop Verma said a medical team began treatment immediately upon the victims’ arrival. “Two patients are critical and have been referred for higher care. The others are stable and out of danger,” he said.

Police said the group was travelling from Gairatganj toward a nearby village wedding venue located about a kilometre from the crash site. Preliminary findings suggest overspeeding combined with darkness contributed to the driver losing control, though a detailed investigation is under way to determine whether road conditions or mechanical failure played a role.

Residents living near the spot said they heard a loud crash and rushed to help. Using torches, they climbed down into the pond and assisted in pulling out the victims, many of whom were bleeding heavily from head and limb injuries.

District Collector Anshul Gupta visited the hospital soon after receiving information about the incident. He spoke with doctors and survivors to assess the situation and later inspected the accident site along with administrative and police officials. Authorities said arrangements were being made to support the victims’ families and ensure proper medical care for the injured.

The incident has raised concerns about night-time driving safety on rural roads, particularly in areas lacking guardrails or warning signage near deep roadside depressions. Officials indicated that safety measures at the site would be reviewed to prevent similar accidents.