Odisha family on pilgrimage killed as vehicle swept away in Madhya Pradesh

Eight people, among them seven members of a family from Bhubaneswar and a taxi driver, died after the vehicle they were travelling in was swept away by a rain-swollen stream near the Maa Bagalamukhi Temple at Nalkheda in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday.

The group was on its way from Ujjain to Nalkheda to offer prayers at the temple. Among the dead were three children and two women, all residents of Bhubaneswar. The family had planned the pilgrimage ahead of the engagement of one of those who lost their lives.

The taxi driver who died has been identified as Krushna Rajveer.

According to police sources, the car was attempting to cross the stream near the temple when it was caught in a strong current. A rescue team reached the spot and pulled out the submerged vehicle, but all the deceased were found trapped inside.

Family sources said the group had left Bhubaneswar on September 16 and intended to return home after offering prayers at the Bagalamukhi Temple. Officials said preliminary findings indicated that the vehicle tried to cross the stream in haste and was swept away by the force of the water.

Nalkheda had received heavy rainfall of about 3.7 inches in the preceding 24 hours, which raised the water level in the stream.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences and directed officials to remain in constant coordination with the Madhya Pradesh government. In a post on X, he said all necessary steps were being taken to speed up rescue and relief operations and to bring the mortal remains back to Odisha with respect, adding that the state government stood firmly with the bereaved families in their hour of grief.