The Jaipur-Ajmer Highway, a lifeline for commuters and travelers in Rajasthan, turned into a scene of chaos and despair yet again. Just days after the devastating Bhankrota fire incident, which claimed 14 lives, another heartbreaking accident unfolded near Bagru, leaving 10 passengers injured. The accident has reignited concerns over highway safety and accountability on Rajasthan's roads.

The Incident: A Collision That Shook Bagru

On Monday evening, around 7:30 PM, a speeding truck rammed into a low-floor passenger bus near Highway King Hotel in Bagru, approximately 30 kilometers from Jaipur. The impact was severe, causing the bus to swerve dangerously and bringing traffic to a halt.

The low-floor bus, operating as a public transport vehicle, was carrying about 20 passengers. Of these, 10 sustained injuries, with several in critical condition. Emergency services and local police arrived promptly, evacuating the injured and transporting them to nearby hospitals for immediate treatment.

Eyewitness accounts described the aftermath as disordered, featuring shattered glass, displaced personal items, and injured passengers calling for assistance. Reports indicate that the truck driver fled the scene, exacerbating concerns over reckless driving and the prevailing lack of accountability on the roads
 

Injured Passengers: Stories of Pain and Survival

Among the injured are people from diverse age groups, including daily commuters and locals. Ravi Sharma, a 38-year-old resident of Jaipur, sustained head injuries while commuting home from work. Another individual, Meera Devi, a 45-year-old homemaker, incurred fractures to her arm and ribs. The families of the victims, anxiously awaiting updates outside the hospital, voiced their frustration regarding the insufficient safety measures and increasing negligence on the highways of Rajasthan.

The injured individuals were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals in Jaipur, where medical professionals are diligently providing care. Currently, all injured passengers are reported to be in stable condition; however, some may necessitate long-term treatment and rehabilitation.
 

Police Response and Initial Investigation

The Bagru Police Station, led by Officer Motilal Sharma, responded swiftly to the accident. According to initial findings, over-speeding by the truck driver is believed to be the primary cause. The absence of a functional speed-monitoring system on this stretch of the highway has further highlighted the lax enforcement of traffic regulations.

Police teams have launched a manhunt for the truck driver, who abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. The vehicle has been impounded, and authorities are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to track down the perpetrator. Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered, and further investigations are underway.

Recurring Accidents: A Grim Reality for Rajasthan’s Highways

This incident is not an isolated event. Rajasthan’s highways, including the Jaipur-Ajmer stretch, have witnessed an alarming rise in road accidents. Poor road infrastructure, reckless driving, and lack of effective law enforcement have created a dangerous environment for travelers. Just two days prior, the state was reeling from the Bhankrota fire tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals when a vehicle caught fire due to an LPG cylinder explosion.

In the Bhankrota incident, the intense flames left several bodies unrecognizable, necessitating DNA testing for identification. Survivors of the fire are still battling for their lives in hospitals, and families of the deceased are demanding stricter safety protocols to prevent such disasters.

Impact on Locals and Growing Concerns

The back-to-back incidents have left the community of Jaipur and nearby areas in a state of shock. Frequent travelers and residents along the Jaipur-Ajmer Highway are demanding immediate action from authorities. Kavita Joshi, a local activist, stated, “Every day, we see accidents or hear about tragedies on this highway. It’s high time the government took serious steps to ensure safety. How many more lives need to be lost?”

The psychological impact on survivors and their families is immense, with many afraid to use public transport or travel along these routes. Road safety advocates are urging the government to install speed cameras, enforce strict penalties for over-speeding, and improve highway lighting and signage to minimize risks.

A Call for Change: The Need for Safer Roads

The rising number of accidents on Rajasthan’s highways demands urgent attention. Experts suggest several measures to curb such incidents, including:

1. Stricter Traffic Regulations: Implementing and enforcing speed limits with hefty fines for violations.
2. Improved Infrastructure: Regular maintenance of roads, installation of crash barriers, and better road lighting.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating drivers and passengers about road safety.
4. Quick Emergency Services: Establishing more trauma centers and deploying ambulances at strategic points along highways.

Conclusion: Time to Act Before It’s Too Late

The Jaipur-Ajmer Highway accident is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for safer roads. As the victims recover from their injuries and the Bhankrota fire survivors rebuild their lives, the state must address the systemic issues causing such tragedies. Without decisive action, these accidents will continue to haunt Rajasthan’s highways, leaving behind tales of loss and sorrow.