Bhopal: In a tragic incident, 11 people lost their lives after a van carrying 13 occupants plunged into a well in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur district this afternoon.

Per reports, rescue operations are currently underway at the accident site near Kachariya village, being carried out by personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other local units.

Anil Raghuvanshi, Narayangarh police station in-charge, said: “So far, 11 persons have been confirmed dead in the accident, including rescuer Manohar Singh and biker Gobar Singh, who was struck by the moving van. Search is still going on.”

Reports suggested the van was on its way from Unhel in Ujjain district, careened into the well around 12:30-1:00 pm while en route to the Antri Mata Temple in Neemuch district.

There was the presence of hazardous gases within the well which created significant obstacles in rescue operations. 

Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, who arrived at the accident site, posted on his X account: “On receiving information about the heart-breaking incident of a four-wheeler falling into a well in village Kachariya Chowpati of Malhargarh assembly constituency of Mandsaur district, I immediately visited the spot and inspected it and directed the District Collector and Superintendent of Police to expedite the rescue operation.”

Speaking to the media later, he highlighted the gravity of the injuries sustained but assured that timely hospitalisation had been provided.

Devda extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and instructed the officers to provide all possible assistance to the family.

Among those rescued were Maya Keer, 26, and two children aged three and twelve, who were admitted to Mandsaur District Hospital. Reports suggest that the van was en route from Unhel in Ujjain district to the Antri Mata Temple in Neemuch district when it plunged into the well, the police source said.

(With agency inputs)