RAJGARH — Nine people lost their lives and two others were rescued after a van carrying 11 passengers was swept away while attempting to cross an overflowing drain near Sarangpur on Monday morning, officials said.
Incident and rescue
The accident occurred at around 9 am near the Padana bypass culvert when the van tried to negotiate a swollen nullah following heavy overnight and early-morning rains. Two occupants managed to swim to safety, while villagers and local administration staff mounted a rescue effort, tying ropes and pulling survivors from the water, according to eyewitnesses and official statements.
"The driver carelessly drove the van into the strong current of the drain on the road near the Padana bypass, and it sank in no time, killing nine people," Sarangpur SDOP Arvind Singh said.
Villagers at the scene said they had warned the driver not to proceed because of the powerful flow, but the vehicle continued and was swept away within moments. Local rescuers risked their own lives to pull some passengers out before the van disappeared beneath the water.
Casualties and official response
The bodies of nine victims, including a girl, were recovered from the drain. The two survivors were treated on site and later taken to a local health facility for further care, officials said. A case has been registered at the Sarangpur police station and an inquiry is under way to determine the precise sequence of events and whether any charges will be filed.
| Detail | Figure/Info |
|---|---|
| Passengers on van | 11 |
| Deaths | 9 (including a girl) |
| Rescued/Survivors | 2 |
| Time of incident | Around 9 am |
| Location | Padana bypass culvert, near Sarangpur, Rajgarh district |
Context: monsoon, road safety and local warnings
Rajgarh district, like many parts of central India, has seen intense rainfall during the monsoon season, swelling rivers and nullahs and increasing the risk posed by culverts and low-lying crossing points. Authorities said rivers and drains were overflowing in the area on Monday. Local residents and administration staff present at the site had reportedly cautioned the driver against attempting the crossing.
- Local warnings: Eyewitnesses said villagers and officials warned the driver not to proceed.
- Rescue action: Villagers tied ropes and launched a rescue operation, pulling out some passengers.
- Official probe: Sarangpur police have registered a case and are investigating.
Impact on families and community
The recovery of nine bodies has dealt a sharp blow to families in and around Sarangpur. Incidents of this nature typically strain small-town emergency services and highlight limitations in rapid-response capacity during peak monsoon events. Local leaders urged residents to avoid low-lying crossings and heed advisories from administration and police during heavy rains.
Precautionary measures and official advisories
District authorities and police often advise motorists to avoid crossing flooded culverts, nullahs or low bridges during high-flow periods. Simple precautions—such as turning back when water is flowing across the road, heeding local warnings, and not attempting crossings with multiple passengers—can reduce risk. The rescue in this incident underlined the role of community members in immediate lifesaving action, but also the grave peril they face in flood conditions.
Further details, including the identities of the victims and the outcome of the police inquiry, are expected as authorities complete their investigation and notify next of kin.
Reported from Sarangpur; inputs from official statements and eyewitness accounts.
