A bus carrying over 45 people collided with a mini truck near Umranala village in Chhindwara on March 26, 2026, around 7:15 p.m., killing 10 people and injuring around 35 others. The bus, which was returning from an event attended by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, overturned following the crash. Those killed included three women, a child, and the drivers of both vehicles. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals.

Officials said the accident occurred when the bus attempted to overtake another vehicle at high speed, leading to the collision. Authorities are providing assistance to the injured and support to the families of those who died.

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Crash details and official statements

Chhindwara Collector Harendra Narayan told The Hindu, “10 persons, including three women and a child, were killed and about 35 people injured. The deceased include the drivers of both vehicles.”

He added, “While those receiving treatment at the district hospital were not out of danger, one critical patient had been referred to Nagpur in Maharashtra. We have sent some officials to Nagpur as well to assist the family during treatment.”

Mr. Narayan also said, “Both the vehicles were at high speed, and as the bus tried to overtake another vehicle, the collision occurred.”

According to The Hindu, the bus was arranged by the administration to transport people to the event. Officials said that the injured are being provided free treatment, while the Health Department in Bhopal is closely monitoring their condition.

CM Mohan Yadav’s response

Mr. Yadav expressed grief on X, saying, “The road accident that occurred on the Chhindwara-Nagpur Road is heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the affected families. I pray to the Almighty that He grant peace to the souls of all the departed. I wish for the swift recovery of the injured.”

He added, “The immediate family members of the deceased will be provided with assistance of ₹4 lakh each, and the seriously injured will receive assistance of ₹1 lakh each. Treatment for all the injured will be provided free of cost. A team of doctors from Jabalpur has been directed to be sent to Chhindwara and Nagpur.”

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Political reaction

State Congress president Jitu Patwari said, “The horrific road accident in Chhindwara is extremely tragic, but even more seriously, it is a matter of collective shame for the government. The truth has come to light today that, in the name of a beneficiary conference, the BJP government has been exposed for mustering crowds for hire. By squandering crores of rupees from the public’s tax money, people are brought to such events through greed and coercion.”

He added, “The government’s politics of pretense has put people’s lives at risk. People were forcibly brought through the administration and police to create crowds. Despite the pre-announced programme, no solid security arrangements were made,” calling for a judicial probe and an FIR against officials found responsible.