Wedding Celebration Turns Tragic as Vehicle Crashes into Baraatis in Chhattisgarh
A joyous wedding celebration in Chhattisgarh's Janjgir-Champa district turned into a scene of chaos and injury late Wednesday night when a speeding vehicle plowed into a group of baraatis, leaving five people injured, including four women, with one in critical condition. The incident occurred around 10 pm on the main road at Ghivra village in the Birra region, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a festive occasion.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to police and local accounts, the wedding procession had arrived from Pendrawan in the neighbouring Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district at Bhatapara in Birra for the marriage at the residence of Rathoo Dewangan. As the baraat reached the gate and preparations were underway for the traditional "parghani" welcome, a heavy "capsule" vehicle, coming from the Shivrinayaran side, allegedly lost control.
The vehicle veered towards the roadside cluster of guests near the tent and struck them forcefully. It then collided with the tent structure itself, triggering immediate panic. Witnesses described a stampede-like scramble as people ran for cover while others rushed to pull the injured away from the scene.
Injuries and Aftermath
Police have identified the injured individuals, highlighting the severity of the crash:
- Bhuri Bai (65), Radhika Dewangan, and Redhuka Dewangan (55) sustained injuries and were treated locally.
- Usa Bai Dewangan (53) suffered serious injuries after the vehicle's wheel reportedly ran over her thigh. She was referred to Bilaspur in critical condition due to the extent of her wounds.
- Tara Chand Dewangan, the district Congress president of Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, was also among those hurt, sustaining injuries in the impact, according to officials.
In the immediate aftermath, angry guests reportedly caught the driver and assaulted him before police could arrive on the scene. Birra police later detained the driver, seized the vehicle, and registered a case to investigate the circumstances thoroughly.
Driver's Statement and Investigation
During questioning, the driver claimed that he had dozed off at the wheel, which led to the catastrophic loss of control and subsequent crash. Police have stated that they are verifying this account and examining all aspects of the incident to determine the exact cause and any potential negligence.
A video clip of the incident has surfaced on social media, capturing the terrifying moment when the vehicle entered the wedding crowd and the chaotic scramble that followed. The footage shows guests scattering in fear and others rushing towards the injured to provide assistance, underscoring the sudden turn of events.
This tragic accident has raised concerns about road safety during festive gatherings in rural areas, prompting calls for increased vigilance. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
