Accident – Pilgrim Bus Collision on Highway Injures Dozens Returning Home
Accident – A serious road mishap unfolded early Thursday near the Thukrana intersection along National Highway 52, within the Kotwali police jurisdiction, leaving several pilgrims injured. The incident involved a bus operated by Shri Bhairav Teerth Yatra, which was on its return journey after completing the Char Dham pilgrimage. The vehicle was struck from behind by a speeding truck, resulting in injuries to nearly half of the passengers on board.
Pilgrims Returning from Sacred Journey Caught in Crash
The bus was carrying more than 50 passengers, of whom around 25 sustained injuries of varying severity. According to one of the travellers, Ramlal Chaudhary, the group consisted of residents from Khargone district. They were travelling in a convoy of three buses after visiting Badrinath, one of the four revered sites of the Char Dham circuit.
Chaudhary recounted that the bus had slowed down near a roadside eatery at the Thukrana junction when the truck rammed into it from behind. Despite the force of the impact, he noted that the situation could have been far worse. Over 150 pilgrims from the same district were part of the journey across all three buses.
Chaos and Panic at the Scene
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene immediately after the collision. The sudden jolt and loud crash caused panic among passengers, with many crying out in distress. The rear portion of the bus bore the brunt of the impact, leading to injuries primarily among those seated in the back rows.
Local residents and passersby rushed to assist before emergency services arrived. The situation was brought under control after police and rescue teams reached the location.
Emergency Response and Medical Assistance
Upon receiving information, Dial-112 units from Lalghati and Kotwali police stations were dispatched to the site. Ambulances were quickly arranged, and all injured passengers were transported to the District Hospital in Shajapur for treatment. Hospital authorities confirmed that most injuries were not life-threatening, although some patients required close observation.
Authorities acted swiftly to clear the road and restore normal traffic flow, which had been disrupted due to the accident.
Driver Absconds, Investigation Underway
In the aftermath of the collision, the truck driver and cleaner fled the scene, prompting a search operation by the police. The truck involved in the accident has been seized, and a case has been registered. Officials stated that efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend those responsible.
Police are also examining whether overspeeding or negligence contributed to the crash.
Rising Pilgrim Numbers Raise Safety Concerns
The accident comes at a time when Uttarakhand is witnessing a surge in pilgrims participating in the Char Dham Yatra. Over the past ten days alone, more than four lakh devotees have arrived in the state, highlighting the scale of the annual religious movement.
While the pilgrimage continues without major disruptions overall, incidents like this have raised concerns about road safety and travel management.
Government Emphasises Controlled Pilgrim Flow
State Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj recently addressed the growing number of visitors, stressing the need for regulated movement of pilgrims. He pointed out that the mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand has limited capacity compared to plains, making it essential to manage the influx carefully.
He added that only a manageable number of pilgrims should be allowed at a given time to ensure safety and prevent logistical challenges.
Economic Importance of the Yatra
Despite safety concerns, the Char Dham Yatra remains a vital part of Uttarakhand’s economy. The annual pilgrimage supports thousands of livelihoods, including those of hotel owners, priests, shopkeepers, and transport service providers.
As authorities continue to balance safety with the steady flow of visitors, incidents like the recent highway accident underline the importance of strict road safety measures during large-scale धार्मिक travel movements.