15 Killed in Rajasthan Bus Collision: Tempo Traveller Crashes into Parked Trailer in Phalodi District

At least 15 people lost their lives and three were injured when a tempo traveller bus collided with a parked trailer in Rajasthan, according to police reports.

The tragic incident occurred near Matoda village on the Bharat Mala Highway in Phalodi district, approximately 400 km from the state capital Jaipur.

Police stated that the victims were residents of the Sursagar area in Jodhpur who were returning from the Kolayat temple in Bikaner after visiting the Kapil Muni Ashram for prayers.

"Fifteen passengers died on the spot, while two women sustained serious injuries. The injured were first taken to a hospital in Osian and later referred to Jodhpur," said Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash.

The collision was so powerful that the front portion of the tempo traveller was completely mangled, trapping numerous passengers inside. Rescue teams and local police quickly arrived at the scene and, with assistance from locals, extracted the injured and transported them to nearby hospitals.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed his sorrow over the incident and directed officials to provide all possible support to the victims' families and ensure proper medical care for the injured.

"The loss of lives in the road accident in the Matoda area of Phalodi is extremely tragic and heart-rending. My condolences are with the bereaved families. Instructions have been given to the district administration officials to ensure proper treatment for all the injured. I pray to the Lord to grant peace to the departed souls and provide speedy recovery to the injured," the Chief Minister stated on X.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed his condolences for the lives lost.

"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," Ashok Gehlot shared on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial compensation of Rs 2 lakh for families who lost members in the accident.

"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 Prime Minister's Office posted on X.

"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," his office added.

This incident follows another recent tragedy last month when twenty-six people perished in a bus fire in Jaisalmer. That fire originated from an A/C short circuit, and the bus lacked an exit gate. Following that accident, the transport department initiated an intensive inspection campaign targeting illegal modifications and permit violations.

In another recent incident late last month, a private sleeper bus carrying over 50 laborers from Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit caught fire after contacting a power line in the Manoharpur area, resulting in two fatalities and ten injuries.