Eight people were killed and 17 others injured after a Tempo Traveller carrying pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh plunged into a drain on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan’s Kota district early Saturday morning, October 17. The victims were travelling from Bhopal to the Khatu Shyam Ji temple when the vehicle fell approximately 15 feet into a drain near the Simliya police station area.
Accident Occurred Around 6 AM
According to reports citing police officials, the accident occurred around 6 AM near pole number 384 on the eight-lane Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a few kilometres from the Karadiya toll plaza.
The vehicle reportedly went out of control, broke through the roadside barrier and plunged into the drain below. Preliminary information suggests that the driver may have dozed off while driving. However, the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
The passengers were reportedly residents of Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district, with several belonging to the same extended family.
Rescue Operation Hampered by Water and Mud
The crash left several passengers trapped inside the badly damaged vehicle. Police, emergency personnel and local residents rushed to the spot to assist with rescue operations.
Rescuers reportedly broke the vehicle’s windows to pull out injured passengers. Cranes were also deployed to retrieve the vehicle and assist in the operation.
The presence of water and thick mud inside the drain made the rescue efforts more difficult. The injured were transported to Kota’s New Medical College Hospital and MBS Hospital for treatment.
Pilgrims Had Left Bhopal on Friday Evening
According to police, the group had departed from Bhopal at approximately 7 PM on Friday for a four-day Rajasthan trip. The pilgrims were heading towards the Khatu Shyam Ji temple in Sikar district when the accident occurred on the first day of their journey.
Authorities confirmed eight deaths, while reports differed on the number of passengers aboard the vehicle. The injured are receiving medical treatment, and officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The accident has left families grieving as authorities continue to establish the complete details of the incident.