Jashpur: A Ganesh Visarjan procession in Jashpur district, Chhattisgarh, turned tragic late last night when a speeding Bolero SUV rammed into a crowd of devotees at Jurudand village under Bagicha police station limits.
The vehicle, bearing registration number CG 15 CR 1429, mowed down the procession, leaving three people dead on the spot and around 30 others injured, many critically.
Eyewitnesses said the Bolero was coming at high speed from Raikera when it suddenly veered into the crowd of nearly 150 devotees. The impact was so severe that several people were flung into the air, while others were crushed under the vehicle.
Panic gripped the area as screams filled the air. An enraged crowd thrashed the driver, though other occupants of the vehicle managed to flee.
Local representatives, including Janpad Vice President Arvind Gupta and Shankar Gupta, along with SDOP Dilip Kosle and police teams, rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations.
The injured were immediately shifted to Bagicha Hospital with the help of 108 ambulances and private vehicles, and many were later referred to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Collector Rohit Vyas reached Bagicha Hospital soon after the accident, assuring families of all possible assistance. CMHO Dr. G.S. Jatra and BMO Dr. Sunil Lakra led the medical teams that worked through the night to stabilise the victims.
Officials confirmed that 22 people sustained serious injuries, of whom 20 were referred to higher centres.
The deceased have been identified as Arvind Kerketta (19), Bipin Prajapati (17), and Khirowati Yadav (32). Jashpur MLA Raimuni Bhagat visited the hospital to meet the injured and their families.
The tragic incident has left the region in shock, with what should have been a moment of faith and celebration ending in grief.
Police have seized the vehicle and begun an investigation, even as families of the deceased and injured struggle to come to terms with the devastating accident.
