Rajasthan accident: 18 dead as tempo traveller crashes into trailer truck in Phalodi, victims were devotees returning from…

Rajasthan accident: In a tragic incident, at least 18 people were killed, while several others sustained grievous injured when a tempo traveller vehicle they were travelling in rammed into a stationary trailer truck in Rajasthan’s Phalodi district on Sunday evening. According to officials, the victims were devotees returning to their homes in Sursagar in Jodhpur after visiting the Kolayat Temple in Bikaner.

The accident occurred near Matoda village on the Bharat Mala Highway, and the victims are believed to members of the Mali community from Sursagar area in Jodhpur, who were returning home after visiting the Kolayat Temple in Bikaner, after offering prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram, as per the police.

18 killed in Rajasthan accident

Earlier, police said fifteen passengers onboard the tempo traveller died on the spot, while two other received serious injuries in the crash and were rushed to a local hospital for treatment.

“Fifteen passengers died, while two others sustained serious injuries. The injured were first taken to a hospital in Osian for primary treatment and later referred to Jodhpur,” said Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash, adding that the bodies have been kept in the mortuary of the Osian government hospital.

Local media reports said at least 15 people were killed in the deadly crash, however, India(BHARAT).com could not independently verify the death toll and will update when official details come in.

PM Modi condoles deaths, announces ex-gratia

Hours after the mishap, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths in the Rajasthan bus accident, and announced cash relief for the victims.

“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Phalodi district, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the PMO said in a post on X.

The PMO said an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000, it said.

CM Sharma, Gehlot express grief

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the incident and instructed officials to ensure all possible assistance to the victims’ families and proper medical care for the injured.

“The loss of life in the road accident in the Matoda area of ​​Phalodi is deeply tragic and heartbreaking. My condolences are with the bereaved families. District administration officials have been instructed to ensure proper treatment for all the injured. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured,” Sharma said in a post on X in Hindi.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot also mourned the loss of lives saying, “I have just received the news that 15 people have died in a road accident in Matoda, Phalodi. Hearing this, my heart is extremely saddened. I pray to God to grant a place at His holy feet to all the deceased, give strength to their families, and a speedy recovery to the injured.”