The death toll from the devastating accident in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur district has risen to 12 after a van carrying 14 people plunged into a well on Sunday, officials confirmed.
According to Mandsaur Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Anand, the van, traveling at high speed, collided with a motorcycle before veering off the road and falling into a well in the Narayangarh Police Station area. “A person who attempted a rescue also lost his life, along with the motorcyclist,” SP Anand told ANI.
Of the 14 people in the van, four were rescued, while 11 died inside the well and another on the road. “All bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem. Legal proceedings are underway,” SP Anand added.
Among the victims was Manohar, a courageous local villager who jumped into the well and managed to save six people, including two children, before tragically losing his own life. Authorities praised his bravery and sacrifice.
“This is an extremely heart-wrenching incident, and we express our deepest condolences to the affected families,” said SP Anand. Both he and the District Collector personally visited the bereaved families to assure them of full support and assistance.
Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda also visited the scene and lauded the relentless rescue efforts by local authorities and villagers. “SP, Collector, DIG, and all officials are present here, working tirelessly alongside locals,” he said.