Accident – Four Killed in Highway Crash Near Dhamtari
Accident – A devastating road accident early Saturday morning near the Khapri bypass in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district left four people dead, including three personnel from the CoBRA unit of the Central Reserve Police Force and a civilian driver. The incident occurred more than 80 kilometers from Raipur when the car they were travelling in rammed into a stationary truck along a National Highway.
Collision on the Khapri Bypass
According to police officials, five occupants were returning to Raipur from Jagdalpur in Bastar when the tragedy unfolded. As their Maruti Swift Dzire approached the Khapri bypass stretch, it crashed into a truck that had been parked by the roadside. The force of the impact was so severe that the vehicle was left completely crushed, trapping those inside.
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound at the moment of collision. Several rushed to the scene and immediately alerted emergency services. Police and rescue teams arrived shortly thereafter and began efforts to extricate the occupants from the mangled car.
Victims Identified by Police
Dhamtari Superintendent of Police Suraj Singh Parihar confirmed that three members of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) lost their lives in the accident. The deceased personnel have been identified as Sub-Inspector Umed Singh, Head Constable Mukesh Kumar, and Constable Rajkumar. The fourth fatality was the civilian driver, Hiralal Nagar.
One additional jawan, Abhimaan Rai, sustained critical injuries. After receiving initial treatment at a local medical facility, he was referred to Raipur for specialized care. Officials stated that his condition remains serious, and doctors are closely monitoring his progress.
Personnel Were on Leave
Preliminary information indicates that the personnel were traveling to Raipur while availing leave. The sudden loss has deeply affected colleagues and families, as the officers were known for their dedication and service in challenging operational environments.
The CoBRA unit, an elite wing of the CRPF, is primarily deployed in counter-insurgency operations. News of the accident has prompted condolences from various quarters, including senior officials and fellow officers.
Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to determine the precise circumstances leading to the crash. Authorities are examining whether visibility conditions, road design, or the manner in which the truck was parked may have contributed to the accident. The bodies of the deceased were recovered from the wreckage and sent to the district hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Officials emphasized that further details will emerge once the technical assessment of the accident site is completed. Road safety experts have often highlighted the dangers posed by stationary heavy vehicles parked along highways without adequate warning signals.
Chief Minister Expresses Grief
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of the three CoBRA personnel. In a statement, he described the incident as deeply distressing and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“The passing of our brave soldiers, who devoted themselves to the service of the nation, is an immense loss. My thoughts are with their families during this painful time,” the Chief Minister said.
The tragic event has once again drawn attention to highway safety and the risks faced by travelers, even during routine journeys. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.