A tragic Khargone road accident in Madhya Pradesh claimed the lives of two minor sisters after a speeding Eicher truck rammed into two motorcycles carrying family members. The incident occurred on Monday evening near Dada Darbar on Narmada Road in the Barwah police station area.

The victims, identified as five-year-old Srishti and three-and-a-half-year-old Bhoomika, were residents of Mortakka. Both were travelling with their families after attending a wedding when the accident took place around 4:30 pm.

Families returning home

According to initial information, the two families, who are related, were returning from a marriage function in Semarla village. They were riding on separate motorcycles and moving on their side of the road when the truck approached from behind at high speed.

Eyewitnesses said the impact threw all riders onto the road, causing severe injuries to multiple family members.

Child dragged under tyre

The accident turned fatal when Srishti got trapped under the truck’s wheel after the collision. Her father, Yogesh, told local authorities that the child was dragged along the road as the vehicle continued moving.

Despite desperate attempts to rescue her, she succumbed to her injuries on the spot. The disturbing nature of the incident left bystanders shocked.

Second child dies

The younger girl, Bhoomika, sustained critical injuries in the crash. She was initially taken to the government hospital in Barwah and later referred to Indore due to her deteriorating condition.

However, she died on the way near Balwara, according to officials. Her death deepened the tragedy for the already devastated family.

Locals catch driver

Following the accident, locals apprehended the truck driver and allegedly assaulted him in anger. Police personnel reached the spot in time and rescued the driver from the crowd.

The vehicle involved in the Khargone road accident has been seized, and the driver is currently under interrogation.

Police investigation on

Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Archana Rawat confirmed that a case has been registered and further investigation is underway. Station House Officer Balram Singh Rathore and his team reached the site soon after receiving information.

“Preliminary findings suggest overspeeding as a possible cause. We are examining all angles,” an officer said, adding that statements from witnesses are being recorded.

Help and response

Local BJP leader Ankit Gupta, who was passing through the area at the time, assisted in coordinating immediate medical aid. He alerted ambulance services and nearby hospitals, ensuring the injured were shifted without delay.

Authorities said timely intervention helped stabilise some of the injured victims, who remain under treatment.

Rising road concerns

The Khargone road accident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety and speeding on state highways. Accidents involving heavy vehicles continue to pose risks, especially in semi-urban stretches where enforcement remains limited.

Such incidents often trigger demands for stricter checks, better road monitoring, and awareness campaigns to reduce fatalities.

What lies ahead

Police are expected to file charges against the driver after completing the investigation. Officials indicated that action will be taken based on evidence, including possible negligence and violation of traffic norms.

The deceased have been identified as Malti Sahu, 35, and her son Rajendra Sahu, 22. Rajendra’s father, Raju Sahu, 40, sustained minor injuries and was admitted to a local hospital for treatment. The family’s younger son, Jageshwar Sahu, remained unharmed.

According to reports, the Sahu family, originally from Jamgaon in Bemetara district, worked as laborers in Pune. They began their return journey on the evening of January 9 around 4 pm. Traveling in two two-wheelers, the family had covered approximately 973 kilometers and reached Patharia by January 10 night.

The collision took place around 10:45 pm on January 10 when the bike (MH-50-Y-6197) carrying Malti and Rajendra hit a Hiwa truck (CG-25-M-7574) that was parked in a broken-down condition. Eyewitnesses said the truck lacked hazard indicators, reflectors, or warning signs, making it difficult for oncoming vehicles to notice it in the dark.

Emergency services rushed the injured mother and son to Ahivara Government Hospital via 112 ambulance, where they were declared dead by the doctors. Raju Sahu, who suffered minor injuries, later filed a complaint at Nandini police station against the truck driver, alleging negligent parking on the road.

Police officials confirmed that an investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact circumstances of the accident. The incident highlights the dangers posed by improperly parked vehicles, particularly at night, and underscores the need for clear safety measures such as reflectors, hazard lights, and adequate road signage.

Local authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution during night travel and ensure vehicles are visible to others to prevent similar tragedies. The Durg-Bhilai administration is expected to review safety protocols on highways to improve night-time visibility and reduce accidents.