RAIPUR: A horrific road accident on the Raipur–Baloda Bazar highway late Sunday night claimed the lives of at least 13 people—most of them women and children—on the outskirts of Chhattisgarh’s capital. Among the deceased was a six-month-old infant and nine women. Six others sustained serious injuries.
The collision occurred near Saragaon in the Kharora region when a Swaraj Mazda goods vehicle, overloaded with around 50 passengers, was returning from a “Chhathi” ceremony—a traditional postnatal celebration—held in Bana Banarsi village. The vehicle, carrying relatives of Puneet Sahu, whose daughter had recently given birth, was struck head-on by a speeding trailer truck (registration JH-05 DP-7584) coming from the opposite direction.
The impact of the crash was devastating. Bodies were strewn across the road, some mutilated beyond recognition. Witnesses described a scene of horror, with cries for help from the injured and lifeless bodies lying amidst the wreckage. One eyewitness recalled the body of an elderly woman being severed in two.
Local police and emergency responders quickly reached the site, initiating rescue operations. The injured were first taken to the Kharora Community Health Center and later transferred to BR Ambedkar Hospital in Raipur due to the severity of their injuries. Many remain in critical condition, and authorities fear the death toll may rise.
Raipur SSP Lal Umed Singh confirmed the preliminary details and said the overloaded passenger vehicle was not intended for human transport. An investigation has been launched, with the trailer driver suspected of speeding and negligence. Forensic teams have been dispatched to analyze the crash site.
Raipur District Collector Gaurav Singh expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a profound tragedy. He assured that all necessary assistance would be provided to the families of the victims.
The accident has triggered a wave of grief and outrage. Local leaders and officials visited hospitals and the crash site, with many demanding urgent road safety reforms, including audits and stricter enforcement on the accident-prone Raipur–Baloda Bazar stretch.
As families prepare to perform the last rites, Chhattisgarh mourns one of the deadliest road disasters in recent memory.
