At least ten individuals, including the driver, sustained serious injuries when a pickup truck transporting caterers met with an accident at Dhanikhuta Ghat in Chhattisgarh’s Kabirdham district. Among the injured, four are in critical condition and have been transferred to the District Hospital in Kawardha for specialized care. The incident occurred as the vehicle, en route from Lohara to the Rengakhar forest area, lost control on a sharp turn at the hazardous Dhanikhuta Ghat, plummeting about 15 feet into the gorge.
The area of Dhanikhuta Ghat is notorious for its rugged landscape, steep inclines, narrow paths, and perilous bends, posing a significant risk for road accidents. Promptly, local residents and passersby initiated rescue efforts, managing to extricate all injured persons from the gorge with considerable difficulty. Subsequently, the emergency response team ‘Dial 112’ arrived at the scene and aided in relocating the victims, who were initially treated at the Community Health Centre in Sahaspur Lohara.
Following primary medical attention, the four severely injured individuals, including the driver with critical injuries, were referred to the District Hospital in Kawardha for further treatment. The remaining six victims are currently under medical supervision. This incident has underscored the inadequate road safety measures in place at this ghat section, prompting calls from locals for improved safety infrastructure like crash barriers, warning signs, and road widening to avert such mishaps.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the accident to ascertain the precise cause. Initial inquiries point to potential factors such as speeding, mechanical issues, or driver fatigue, pending official confirmation. The occurrence has raised concerns within the community, particularly with the surge in wedding-related travel on these roads during the festive season. District officials have pledged to reassess and enhance safety protocols as a priority.
