Road Accident – Five Pilgrims Killed After SUV Crashes on Rajasthan Highway
Road Accident –Five pilgrims lost their lives and three others suffered critical injuries after a tragic road accident on the Jodhpur National Highway in Rajasthan’s Balotra district late on Sunday night, according to police officials.
The victims were travelling back from the Padasla Bhomiaji Temple in Osian when their sport utility vehicle met with a serious collision near the Bhandiyawas-Kudi stretch around midnight. Authorities said all eight occupants of the SUV belonged to Kanod village in the Baytu region and were returning home after offering prayers at the temple.
Collision Leaves Vehicle Severely Damaged
Police said the SUV crashed into an unidentified heavy vehicle under circumstances that are still being examined. The force of the impact completely crushed the front portion of the vehicle, leaving several passengers trapped inside.
Emergency responders, along with local villagers who reached the scene after hearing the loud impact, launched a rescue operation to free those trapped in the wreckage. Two young men died at the accident site before they could be rescued, while the remaining passengers were taken to Nahata District Hospital in Balotra for emergency medical care.
Death Toll Rose During Treatment
Hospital officials confirmed that one of the injured pilgrims later died while receiving treatment at Nahata District Hospital. As the condition of the remaining five victims was considered extremely serious, doctors referred them to a medical facility in Jodhpur for advanced treatment.
Despite medical efforts, two more injured passengers succumbed to their injuries in Jodhpur, increasing the total number of fatalities to five. Three survivors continue to receive treatment, and doctors have described their condition as critical.
Victims Identified by Authorities
Police identified the deceased as Kishan, son of Sheraram, and Bhavesh, son of Kalaram, both residents of Kanod village. The other victims who lost their lives were identified as Revant Marudhar, Swaroop Godara and Bharat Godara.
Officials said the families of the victims have been informed, while legal formalities are being completed before the bodies are handed over to their relatives.
Investigation Underway
According to investigators, the group was travelling from Jodhpur towards Balotra after completing their visit to the Padasla Bhomiaji Temple in Osian. The exact sequence of events that led to the crash remains under investigation.
Police have sent the bodies to the mortuary at Nahata District Hospital for post-mortem examinations. The reports are expected to assist investigators in completing procedural requirements and determining additional details related to the accident.
Search Continues for Heavy Vehicle
Authorities have launched a search operation to trace the heavy vehicle involved in the collision, which reportedly left the scene after the crash. Investigators are collecting evidence from the accident site and examining available leads to establish the identity of the vehicle and its driver.
Police officials said further legal action will be initiated after post-mortem reports are received and the investigation gathers more evidence. They added that all aspects of the incident, including the circumstances leading to the collision, are being carefully examined.