Tragedy struck Bhainsdehi in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, when a school van carrying 15 children smashed into an oncoming vehicle near Purna River on Wednesday morning. A Class 3 girl, Harshita Patankar, died on the spot, while 11 others, including the driver, were injured—five in serious condition.
The crash occurred roughly 60 km from Betul town, flipping the van and causing widespread panic. Bystanders acted swiftly, aiding in rescues and ferrying the injured first to a local health center before evacuating the worst cases to the district hospital.
Both vehicles were mangled beyond recognition, with wreckage littering the roadside. The opposing driver’s flight from the scene has sparked outrage, and police have initiated searches while probing possible causes: excessive speed, faulty overtaking maneuvers, or driver distraction.
India’s roads claim countless lives yearly, with child-carrying vehicles repeatedly in the spotlight. Experts highlight speeding, poor maintenance, and lax enforcement as root issues. This incident reignites demands for mandatory safety audits on school transport, speed governors, and harsher penalties for violators.
Families grieve as investigations continue, but the loss amplifies the urgent need for systemic road safety reforms to protect vulnerable young lives.