Sacrificial goat survives, 4 dead as Scorpio falls off bridge in Jabalpur

A devastating road accident in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district has claimed the lives of four men, left two others critically injured, and left one unusual survivor — a goat. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday night in the Chargawan area, when a Scorpio vehicle veered off a bridge and crashed into the Somvati river.

The six passengers were returning from a symbolic goat sacrifice at the Dulha Dev Maharaj temple in Narsinghpur district. Ironically, the goat — which had only its ear cut as part of the ritual — emerged from the wreckage unscathed, even as the vehicle lay mangled in the riverbed.

Locals sprang into action moments after the crash, informing police and helping with initial rescue efforts. Emergency personnel arrived soon after and had to pry open the vehicle to extract the victims. The four deceased have been identified as Kishan Patel, Sagar Patel, Rajendra Patel, and Mahendra Patel, all residents of Bhedaghat Chowkital.

The two injured, Manoj Patel (34) and Jitendra Patel (35), were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Police said both continue to receive intensive care. Officer Abhishek Pyaasi, who is leading the investigation, revealed that a bottle of liquor was found inside the Scorpio, suggesting the group may have been drinking prior to the accident.

Some food items and supplies were also recovered from the vehicle, indicating that the group might have been preparing for a celebratory meal post-ritual. Eyewitnesses at the scene supported the claim that the driver may have lost control due to intoxication, though a detailed forensic report is awaited.

In a grim twist, the Jabalpur accident is part of a string of deadly mishaps reported across Madhya Pradesh in the past 24 hours. In Umaria and Bhind districts, a truck crash claimed six lives including the driver. Meanwhile, in Shivpuri, a doctor couple on pilgrimage to Ujjain from Ayodhya lost their lives, and four others were injured in yet another accident.