Truck-trailer collision kills 13 people including children, several injured in Raipur

A joyous family occasion turned into a scene of profound tragedy late Sunday night near Raipur, Chhattisgarh, when a Swaraj Mazda vehicle carrying relatives back from a ceremony collided head-on with a trailer truck, claiming the lives of 13 people, including women, children, and a six-month-old infant. Several others were left with serious injuries in the devastating incident on the Raipur-Balodabazar highway.   

The victims, all residents of Chatod village and relatives of Puneet Sahu, were returning home after attending a "Chhathi" ceremony – a traditional ritual celebrating the sixth day after a child's birth. They had travelled to Bano village in Kharora for the auspicious event at the residence of Neelkanth Sahu. Their journey, unfortunately, met a horrific end near the village of Bangoli, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kharora police station.   

According to authorities, the fatal collision occurred between 11:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Swaraj Mazda, bearing registration number CG 04 MQ 1259, was reportedly en route back to Chatod when it crashed into the oncoming trailer truck (registration number JH 05 DP 7584) near Saragaon, within the Bangoli village vicinity. The impact was so severe that 13 individuals died on the spot.

The deceased included a heart-wrenching toll of nine women, two young girls, one boy, and a tender six-month-old baby, highlighting the immense personal loss for the families involved. In addition to the fatalities, around 11 to 12 other occupants of the Swaraj Mazda sustained serious injuries and were in urgent need of medical attention.   

District Collector Gaurav Singh confirmed the tragic news: “Around midnight, we received the information. Immediately, the entire administrative team reached the spot and alerted nearby hospitals. Thirteen people have died, and around 11–12 others are injured." He added, "After providing them with primary medical treatment, we shifted them to Mekahara Hospital in Raipur for further care.” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lal Umed Singh also corroborated the details, noting, “Some residents of Chatod village were travelling in a Swaraj Mazda to attend a Chhathi ceremony in Bano village. While returning late at night, the vehicle met with a tragic accident near Bangoli village.”   

Local political figures also expressed their condolences and concern. BJP MLA Anuj Sharma described the incident as a "heartbreaking tragedy." He stated, "A collision between a trailer and a Mazda vehicle in Bangoli has resulted in the death of many and injured several others. We are coordinating with the administration to ensure proper treatment and support for the victims’ families during this difficult time."