Search Intensifies for Dumper Truck Driver after Highway Mishaps

Madhya Pradesh Police are intensifying efforts to locate a dumper truck driver whose vehicle allegedly spread gravel along a 2-3 km stretch of the Betul-Nagpur four-lane highway (National Highway 46), resulting in multiple accidents that injured six individuals. The injured parties include Dilip Choube (44), Jugan Bai (85), Khamdev (32), Saraswati (55), Ram Nath (65), and an unidentified person. The incidents occurred near Sapna Dam on a Sunday evening, involving four cars and two motorcycles in a series of crashes over several hours. Additional Superintendent of Police Kamla Joshi confirmed that the gravel was the main factor behind the accidents, causing vehicles to skid uncontrollably. Eyewitnesses recounted how a car traveling from Bengaluru to Vrindavan lost control after hitting the gravel, leading to a rollover and collision with a roadside ditch. Subsequent vehicles also skidded on the gravel, resulting in severe impacts and entrapment of occupants. Emergency responders arrived promptly to assist the injured individuals, who were later transported to hospitals in Betul. Despite sustaining fractures and lacerations, all six individuals are reported to be in stable condition. The gravel was cleared on Sunday evening, restoring normal traffic flow after a prolonged disruption. Authorities suspect the gravel may have spilled from a construction dumper earlier that day, with the driver currently missing. Police are seeking public assistance in locating the driver. This incident highlights a series of recent accidents on the highway, often linked to debris, overloading, or poor road conditions. Officials are urging cautious driving, speed reduction in high-risk zones, and prompt reporting of hazards.