Rajasthan is currently facing a grim reality as three major accidents have claimed the lives of over 45 people and left many more injured in less than a month. These tragic events have put a spotlight on the state’s road safety standards and the persistent issue of reckless driving.
The most recent incident occurred in Jaipur’s Harmada area, where a speeding dumper truck triggered a catastrophic chain collision, resulting in at least 13 fatalities. According to officials, the truck lost control near Loha Mandi, striking numerous vehicles along a 300-meter stretch. “Twelve people died in the accident and as many have been injured,” stated Jaipur district collector Jitendra Soni. Many of the injured are in critical condition and have been transported to the trauma center of SMS Hospital. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the truck collided with cars and motorcycles. Police quickly secured the area to manage the aftermath and restore traffic flow. Rajasthan’s Chief Minister, Bhajanlal Sharma, expressed deep sorrow over the “extremely tragic and heart-wrenching” incident, directing authorities to provide the best possible care for the injured and offering prayers for the departed souls and their families.
Phalodi Pilgrimage Tragedy
This Jaipur collision followed closely on the heels of another major accident in Phalodi, Jodhpur district. A mini-bus carrying pilgrims collided head-on with a parked trailer truck on the Bharat Mala Highway, killing at least 15 people, including women and children. The pilgrims were returning from Kolayat when their bus, reportedly traveling at high speed, attempted to overtake another vehicle and struck the stationary trailer. The severe impact crushed the front of the bus, leading to immediate fatalities among many passengers. Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash Paswan confirmed that 15 out of the 18 passengers in the bus died at the scene, with two others in critical condition. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed their condolences, with the Prime Minister announcing financial aid for the victims’ families. Chief Minister Sharma also expressed his grief and ordered prompt relief efforts.
Jaisalmer Inferno: 20 Burned Alive in Sleeper Bus
Just weeks prior, a devastating fire engulfed a sleeper bus on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur Highway, claiming the lives of 26 people. The blaze, believed to have originated from a short circuit in the AC unit, trapped passengers as the bus door malfunctioned and jammed shut. “Most of the bodies were found in the aisle, indicating that people tried to escape but couldn’t because the door was stuck,” explained Kailash Dan, Additional SP, Jaisalmer. Army personnel and local residents worked to rescue survivors by breaking windows. Investigations revealed that the bus violated safety norms by lacking a second exit and window escape hammers. This tragedy prompted the state transport department to initiate a statewide inspection of buses for illegal modifications and permit violations.
Public Outcry and Official Response
Families of the Jaisalmer fire victims voiced anger over alleged negligence and delays in identifying victims through DNA, highlighting what they described as lapses in medical response and bureaucratic indifference. “The whole system wakes up for criminals even at midnight, but no one is here for the common man,” lamented one grieving relative. Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar acknowledged that the absence of emergency exits contributed to the loss of life, stating, “There was only one door, which got jammed. Most passengers could not escape. Some were burnt beyond recognition.”
In response to the alarming increase in fatal accidents, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has ordered a comprehensive review of traffic regulations and heavy vehicle checks. He assured that the government stands with the victims and promised strict action against those found violating safety standards.