9 killed, two injured as truck overturns on van in Madhya Pradesh
9 Killed in Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh as Cement Truck Crushes Van
In a deeply tragic incident, nine people lost their lives when a heavily loaded cement trailer truck overturned and crushed a van in Madhya Pradesh’s Jhabua district during the early hours of Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Among the victims were two small children, two teenagers, three women, and two men.
Police officials confirmed the accident occurred near Thandla Road around 2:30 AM when most of the region was still asleep. The van was reportedly stationary or moving slowly when the cement-laden truck lost balance and tipped over onto it, completely flattening the smaller vehicle. All the victims died on the spot due to the impact.
A Family Journey Turns Fatal
Initial reports suggest the van was carrying members of a family who had traveled to a nearby temple and were returning home when the accident occurred. The children among the deceased were around four years old, while the two teenagers were estimated to be about 15.
According to police, the van was carrying nine people in total—none survived. The identities of the victims have been confirmed by family members, and post-mortem examinations are being conducted at the district hospital.
The truck driver fled the scene immediately after the accident. A manhunt has been launched to locate and arrest him.
Eyewitness Accounts: “It Looked Like a War Zone”
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene. One local resident who arrived shortly after the crash said, “There were screams and cries when we reached. But when we tried to help, it was too late. The van had been crushed like a tin can under the weight of the truck.”
Cement bags had spilled across the road, making it difficult for first responders to reach the victims. The accident also caused traffic delays as the police worked to clear the wreckage and divert vehicles.
Rescue and Response
Local police, emergency response teams, and passersby worked together to remove the cement bags and pull out the mangled remains of the van. By the time help arrived, all nine passengers were already dead. Authorities used cranes and cutters to lift the truck and extract the van underneath.
Jhabua Superintendent of Police, Ashish Bhargava, stated:
“This is an extremely unfortunate incident. We are investigating how such a heavily loaded truck lost balance. We have registered a case, and efforts are underway to track down the driver.”
Overloaded Trucks: A Recurring Hazard
Incidents involving overloaded or poorly maintained trucks are unfortunately common on Indian roads. In this case, the trailer was transporting heavy cement bags and appeared to have crossed weight safety limits. Preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle may have been moving at high speed when the driver lost control on a slight curve.
Experts say such accidents underscore the urgent need to implement stricter enforcement of transportation regulations, especially regarding vehicle overloading, night driving, and driver fatigue.
Chief Minister Expresses Grief
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the bereaved families. He tweeted:
“Shocked and saddened by the tragic road accident in Jhabua that claimed nine precious lives, including children. My prayers are with the families in this hour of grief. Instructions have been issued for immediate assistance and a detailed investigation.”
District officials have announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh to the families of each deceased person. The government has also promised to cover the cost of last rites and other immediate expenses.
A Wake-Up Call for Road Safety
The tragedy in Jhabua once again highlights the dangers of poorly regulated road transport, especially on state and national highways where overloaded trucks and negligent driving often lead to catastrophic consequences.
India sees thousands of road fatalities each year, many of which are avoidable. Transport experts emphasize the need for:
- Regular vehicle fitness checks
- Strict enforcement of loading limits
- Better driver training and screening
- Increased use of weigh-in-motion systems
- Night patrol and highway surveillance
Community in Mourning
In the villages near Thandla Road, where the victims lived, a heavy silence hangs in the air. Schools have announced a day of mourning, and residents have gathered to support the grieving families.
Local leaders and activists are calling for justice and accountability. They urge authorities to not only arrest the driver but also take action against the trucking company for negligence.
Conclusion
As investigations continue and families prepare for funerals, the Jhabua crash stands as a somber reminder of how fragile life is—and how vital road safety enforcement must be.
No family should have to experience the heartbreak of losing loved ones in such a horrific and avoidable manner. While compensation and condolences help in the short term, what India truly needs is a long-term commitment to safer roads for all.
