Nine Killed as Van Swept Away While Crossing Swollen Drain in Madhya Pradesh

RAJGARH, August 10, 2026: Nine people were killed after a passenger van carrying 11 people was swept away by a strong current while attempting to cross a swollen drain near Sarangpur in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district on Monday morning.

The accident occurred around 9 a.m. near the Padana bypass, where the driver reportedly attempted to cross a culvert despite warnings from villagers and local administration personnel about the strong flow of water.

The vehicle was quickly engulfed by the current and sank. Two passengers managed to escape by swimming to safety, while nine others drowned. The bodies of all the victims were later recovered from the water. Officials said a girl was among those killed.

Sarangpur Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Arvind Singh said heavy rainfall had caused rivers, drains and other waterways in the area to overflow.

According to eyewitnesses, villagers and administration officials had warned the driver against attempting to cross the flooded stretch. Despite the warnings, the vehicle proceeded towards the culvert before being swept into the swollen drain.

Villagers and rescue personnel immediately launched an operation to save those trapped inside the vehicle. Rescuers used ropes to enter the water and pull people to safety. Their efforts, along with the actions of the two passengers who managed to swim out, helped prevent further loss of life.

Police have registered a case at Sarangpur police station and begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall in the region, which has caused water levels in rivers and drains to rise sharply. Authorities have urged people to avoid attempting to cross flooded roads, culverts and waterways, particularly when strong currents are present.

Courtesy New Indian Express