Congress Leader Among Four Injured as Speeding Truck Plows Into Wedding Procession in Chhattisgarh
A joyous wedding celebration in Chhattisgarh's Janjgir-Champa district descended into chaos and terror when a speeding heavy vehicle careened into a group of guests dancing near the roadside, leaving four people injured—one critically—and sparking violent retaliation against the driver.
Chaotic Scene as Vehicle Veers Into Dancing Crowd
The incident occurred within the limits of the Birra police station as the baraat or wedding procession was moving along the road. According to eyewitness accounts, guests had gathered in a cluster near the roadway, dancing enthusiastically to DJ music, when the large vehicle—described locally as a capsule vehicle—suddenly lost control and veered off the road directly into the crowd.
The festive atmosphere instantly shattered, replaced by screams and panic as the vehicle struck multiple individuals. Witnesses described a stampede-like scramble as some attendees fled for safety while others rushed forward to pull the injured from the scene. A video circulating on social media captures the horrifying moment of impact and the ensuing chaos.
Senior Congress Functionary Among the Injured
Police confirmed that four individuals sustained injuries in the violent collision. One victim was in such serious condition that they were immediately referred to a hospital in Bilaspur for advanced medical care. The three other injured persons are receiving treatment at local medical facilities.
Among those hurt is Tara Chand Dewangan, the district Congress president for the neighbouring Sarangarh-Bilaigarh region. Dewangan, a senior political functionary, suffered injuries from the impact of the vehicle. His involvement has drawn significant attention to the incident beyond its immediate tragic circumstances.
Driver Detained After Being Assaulted by Angry Mob
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, enraged wedding guests reportedly caught the driver and assaulted him before law enforcement could arrive on the scene. Birra police subsequently intervened, taking the driver into custody, seizing the vehicle, and registering a formal case.
Preliminary information from officials indicates that the driver claimed to have dozed off at the wheel, leading to a catastrophic loss of vehicle control. Police authorities have stated that all circumstances surrounding the incident are being thoroughly verified as part of an ongoing investigation to determine precise causes and potential liabilities.
Broader Implications for Road Safety and Public Gatherings
This tragic event highlights persistent concerns regarding road safety, especially near public gatherings and celebrations in India. The collision at a wedding procession underscores the vulnerabilities when festive activities intersect with vehicular traffic, often on roads not designed for such mixed use.
The incident has sparked discussions about:
- The need for heightened driver alertness on roads passing through populated areas
- Safety protocols for organizing processions and public celebrations near thoroughfares
- Emergency response mechanisms for accident scenes involving large crowds
As the investigation proceeds, local communities and authorities are likely to re-examine measures to prevent similar tragedies during cultural and social events that bring people onto or near roadways.
