Third Death Confirmed in Ujjain Tractor-Trailer Accident: Missing Child's Body Recovered After 19-Hour Search

The devastating incident unfolded when villagers from Pirjhlar brought a tractor-trolley to the Chambal River for the ritual immersion of a goddess idol on Vijayadashmi. In a moment that transformed celebration into catastrophe, a 12-year-old child accidentally turned the tractor key while playing, causing the vehicle to start suddenly and crash through the bridge railing into the river.

Twelve children fell into the water when the tractor-trolley plunged approximately 20 feet into the river. Local residents, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams immediately launched rescue operations, managing to save 11 children from drowning. However, the incident claimed multiple young lives and left the village of Pirjhlar in deep mourning.

The first two victims, Prithviraj (16) and Ansh (8), were retrieved from the river and their bodies were cremated together in Pirjhlar on Thursday evening. The recovery of 16-year-old Shubham's body on Friday morning marked the tragic conclusion of an intensive overnight search operation conducted by rescue teams and divers.

Two other children remain in critical condition. Aditya (10) and Vansh (6) have been referred to specialized medical facilities in Indore for advanced treatment due to the severity of their injuries. Medical authorities are providing all possible care to ensure their recovery.

Additional Superintendent of Police Abhishek Ranjan described the incident as "extremely tragic" and confirmed that all rescue efforts were being coordinated between local police and SDRF personnel. The tractor and trolley were subsequently recovered from the river using crane equipment.

The tragedy has raised serious concerns about safety measures during religious ceremonies near water bodies, particularly annual idol immersion events that occur on bridges without proper safety arrangements. Eyewitness accounts and viral photographs taken moments before the accident show children joyfully bathing in the river and boarding the trolley, providing a haunting reminder of how quickly celebration turned to tragedy.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each deceased child and has directed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. The incident has prompted calls for stricter safety protocols during religious processions, especially those involving heavy vehicles near water bodies.

This accident was part of multiple tragic incidents across Madhya Pradesh during Durga idol immersion ceremonies, with separate accidents in Khandwa district claiming additional lives. Authorities are now investigating the incident and urging enhanced caution during religious ceremonies to prevent such devastating losses in the future.

The village of Pirjhlar continues to grieve as families struggle to cope with the sudden loss of their children during what should have been a joyous religious celebration.