In a tragic road accident in Rajasthan's Sikar district, 12 people lost their lives and more than 40 others sustained injuries after a bus traveling from Salasar collided with a culvert near Laxmangarh. The accident occurred on Tuesday around 2 p.m., sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting immediate response from police and medical services.

Details of the Collision

According to the Rajasthan Police, the private bus was on its way from the religious town of Salasar, a popular pilgrimage destination, when it veered off course and struck a concrete culvert near Laxmangarh. The collision was forceful, causing severe damage to the front of the bus and trapping multiple passengers inside. District Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhuvan Bhushan Yadav reported that initial investigations suggest the driver may have lost control due to high speed or a mechanical failure, although further examination is ongoing.

Local police and emergency services rushed to the site, working diligently to rescue those trapped inside the wreckage. The injured passengers were promptly transported to nearby hospitals in Laxmangarh and Sikar, with several in critical condition requiring urgent care.

Medical Response and Patient Condition

Medical personnel at SK Hospital in Sikar reported that they received 37 injured passengers, two of whom were declared dead upon arrival, while three more succumbed to injuries during treatment. Seven critically injured patients were referred to larger medical facilities in Jaipur for specialized care, while 22 to 23 others are currently undergoing treatment in Sikar.

Dr. Mahendra Khichad, Superintendent of SK Hospital, expressed the severity of the injuries, stating, “The condition of many injured is serious, and our teams are doing their best to provide immediate and necessary care. Additional medical support has been mobilized, and arrangements have been made for those who need advanced treatment in Jaipur.”

Official Responses and Community Reactions

In response to the accident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families, stating, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the Sikar accident. My thoughts are with the grieving families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed his condolences, directing district authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible treatment. He assured affected families that the state government would provide necessary support during this difficult time. The local administration is coordinating with medical facilities to ensure smooth and effective treatment for the injured and to facilitate communication with the families of those affected.

Witness Accounts and Scene of the Accident

Witnesses at the scene described the immediate aftermath as chaotic, with many villagers rushing to help the injured. Passengers were reportedly trapped inside the bus following the collision, and locals joined forces with emergency responders to assist in the rescue efforts. Some passengers, who managed to free themselves from the wreckage, described the moment of impact as sudden and terrifying, with many thrown from their seats by the force of the collision.

One of the passengers, who sustained minor injuries, recounted, “It all happened so fast. The bus swerved, and the next thing I knew, there was a loud crash. People were screaming, and some of us were pinned under seats or thrown forward. I’m grateful to be alive but heartbroken for those who didn’t make it.”

Causes Under Investigation

The police are currently investigating the root causes of the accident, focusing on the driver’s actions and the bus’s mechanical condition. Authorities suspect that either speeding or a mechanical failure could have caused the bus to lose control. SP Bhuvan Bhushan Yadav indicated that they are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and speaking to survivors to piece together the events leading up to the collision. The bus will also undergo a thorough mechanical inspection to determine if a fault in the vehicle played a role in the crash.

Calls for Road Safety and Infrastructure Improvements

The incident has sparked renewed discussions on road safety and infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic areas and routes popular among pilgrims. Community leaders and residents are calling for stricter traffic regulations and safety measures, especially in regions with heavy pilgrimage traffic, where drivers are often under pressure to complete journeys quickly.

As Rajasthan continues to witness an influx of tourists and pilgrims, road safety measures are becoming increasingly critical. Local officials are urging the government to increase monitoring of speed limits, driver fatigue, and vehicle conditions to prevent future tragedies.