At least 19 people lost their lives and two others were seriously injured after a passenger bus collided with a stationary truck near Phalodi in Rajasthan on Sunday morning. The accident occurred on the Bharat Mala Highway, close to Matoda village, leaving the region in shock and grief.
According to police officials, the bus, carrying pilgrims from Jodhpur, was returning from the Kolayat temple in Bikaner when it rammed into a parked truck near Bapini village in Phalodi district. The impact was so severe that the front portion of the bus was completely mangled, with glass windows shattered and metal twisted beyond recognition.
Visuals from the accident site showed the tourist bus lying wrecked on the highway, its frame torn apart by the force of the collision. Rescue teams and local residents rushed to the scene to assist in pulling out the injured and the deceased from the wreckage.
The victims were identified as residents of the Sursagar area in Jodhpur. Police confirmed that the bus was carrying pilgrims who had gone to offer prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram in Bikaner.
Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash Paswan confirmed the tragic toll, saying, “Nineteen people have lost their lives in this unfortunate road accident in Phalodi. Two others are injured and are receiving treatment. The affected families have our full support.”
The injured were initially taken to a nearby hospital in Osian for first aid and later referred to the Mathuradas Mathur Hospital in Jodhpur for advanced treatment. Superintendent Vikas Rajpurohit said the hospital was put on high alert after receiving an emergency call from the Police Commissioner. “We are prepared to handle all emergency cases. There are around 15-16 casualties reported so far,” he told reporters.
Local authorities and police teams swiftly reached the site to carry out rescue operations and manage traffic on the busy highway. Police are investigating whether the truck was improperly parked or if the bus driver lost control due to overspeeding or poor visibility.
Rajasthan Chief Minister is expected to review the situation and announce compensation for the victims’ families. All bodies have been moved to the Osian Government Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations.
The Phalodi bus accident has once again highlighted the alarming frequency of road mishaps on national highways in India. Experts say better enforcement of parking regulations, improved lighting, and stricter checks on vehicle fitness are crucial to prevent such tragedies.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Near Matoda village, Phalodi district, Rajasthan
- Casualties: 19 dead, 2 seriously injured
- Cause: Bus collided with a stationary truck
- Victims: Pilgrims from Jodhpur returning from Bikaner
- Rescue Efforts: Injured shifted to Mathuradas Mathur Hospital, Jodhpur
- Authorities Involved: Jodhpur Police, Rajasthan administration
A bus carrying pilgrims from Jodhpur met with a tragic accident near Phalodi, Rajasthan, after colliding with a stationary truck. Nineteen people lost their lives, and two sustained serious injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash as rescue and medical teams continue to assist the victims’ families. The devastating incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved highway safety measures in India.