"13 Dead, 12 Injured in Chhattisgarh Road Accident Near Raipur"

A devastating road accident occurred late Sunday night near Saragaon on the Raipur–Balodabazar highway in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals, including nine women and four children. The victims were returning from a "Chhathi" ceremony—a traditional postnatal celebration—in Bano village when their Swaraj Mazda vehicle collided head-on with a trailer truck near Bangoli village under the Kharora police station limits. 

The collision was so severe that many passengers died instantly, with bodies scattered across the road. The injured were promptly transported to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur for treatment. District Collector Gaurav Singh confirmed the incident, stating that emergency teams were dispatched immediately upon receiving information around midnight. 

Senior Superintendent of Police Lal Umed Singh indicated that the accident might have been caused by rash and negligent driving. An investigation has been initiated, and a case has been registered. 

Local leaders, including BJP MLA Anuj Sharma, have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and are coordinating with authorities to ensure that the injured receive adequate medical care and that the families of the deceased are supported. 

This incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations on the Raipur–Balodabazar highway, a stretch known for frequent accidents.