Tragic Accident in Uchehara: Young Doctor’s Car Plunges 30 Feet into River; Rescue Fails

Satna, MP: A tragic accident claimed the life of a young doctor from Uchehara, Satna district, on Thursday morning. Dr. Shashank Sethia (24), posted at the government hospital in Uchehara, was en route to his duty when his car lost control and fell into the Barua River from an old bridge. Despite desperate rescue attempts by locals and police, the doctor succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital.

Incident Details

The incident occurred around 11:00 AM near the Barua intersection on the old bridge. Dr. Sethia, driving the car gifted to him by his father Arun Gupta, a retired teacher, for Diwali, suddenly lost control, and the vehicle plunged into the river. Witnesses including Kashi Deen Mallah, Head Constable Ramkaran Prajapati, Santosh Verma, ASI SN Upadhyay, and local youth bravely jumped into the river to save him. After strenuous efforts, the car was brought to the riverbank, and the doctor, in an unconscious state, was pulled out.

He was immediately taken to Uchehara Hospital and later referred to Satna, but tragically, he died en route. Dr. Sethia was the youngest of three brothers and unmarried. He had joined Uchehara Government Hospital just a year ago.

“Bridge of Death” Raises Safety Concerns

Residents have long warned about the bridge’s dangerous condition. The Barua River bridge lacks proper safety walls or railings, earning it the grim nickname “Bridge of Death.” Local residents noted that a similar accident occurred about a year ago when a motorcyclist fell into the river at the same spot. Authorities have registered a case, and police are investigating whether negligence contributed to the fatal accident.