In Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh, 16 individuals sustained injuries when a private bus, transporting passengers from Bhopal to Alirajpur, overturned on Sunday morning. Fortunately, none of the injuries were reported to be life-threatening, providing some reassurance amidst the situation. The incident took place around 4:30 a.m. near Talwada Deb along the Barwani-Thikri Highway. According to Dheeraj Babbar, the Additional Superintendent of Police, the bus flipped after the driver swerved suddenly to avoid an animal that unexpectedly appeared on the road. Eyewitnesses recounted a scene filled with panic as the bus, heavily loaded with passengers, lost control on the poorly lit highway, skidding before rolling over and scattering belongings and individuals along the roadside.
Local residents were among the first responders, alerting emergency services to the scene. The prompt actions of police and district administration ensured quick rescue efforts. All 16 injured, including men, women, and children, were swiftly extracted from the wreckage and taken to nearby hospitals in Anjad and Barwani. Medical personnel reported injuries ranging from fractures and bruises to minor head trauma, with the majority of victims in stable condition and under observation. Babbar noted the immediate response from police and administration teams, highlighting their coordinated efforts. The bus, operated by a private company, was on a commonly used route to Alirajpur in western Madhya Pradesh.
Traffic on the highway was halted for several hours as cranes worked to right the vehicle and clear the wreckage. Investigators are looking into several factors such as road conditions, vehicle upkeep, and the possibility of speeding, while the animal crossing is deemed the main cause. As investigations proceed, the district administration has promised support to the affected families, including assistance with compensation claims.
