At least 18 devotees were killed and three others injured after a bus collided with a stationary trailer in Rajasthan, police said. The tragic incident occurred in Phalodi district, around 400 kilometres from Jaipur, the state capital.
According to NDTV, the officials said the devotees were returning from Sursagar in Jodhpur after visiting Kolayat in Bikaner when the accident took place.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed his condolences and said the state government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief.
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma tweeted, "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 issued to district administration officials to ensure proper treatment for all injured. I pray to the Lord to grant peace to the departed souls and provide speedy recovery to the injured."
This latest incident follows a series of fatal road accidents in the state. Last month, 26 people were burnt alive when a sleeper bus caught fire in Jaisalmer after a short circuit in the air-conditioning system. The tragedy was compounded by the absence of an emergency exit.
In response, the transport department launched a large-scale inspection drive to curb illegal vehicle modifications and permit violations.
Just days later, another accident was reported when a private sleeper bus carrying more than 50 labourers from Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit came into contact with a power line in Manoharpur, leaving two people dead and ten others injured.
More details are awaited.
