NEW DELHI: A devastating road accident on the Dausa–Manoharpur Highway in Rajasthan claimed the lives of 11 Khatu Shyam pilgrims, including women and children, in the early hours of Wednesday, police confirmed. Several others sustained injuries, and the death toll may rise.
According to Dausa Superintendent of Police Sagar Rana, the victims were returning from a pilgrimage to the Khatu Shyam temple when the pickup van they were travelling in collided with a container truck near Bapi.
“We received reports of at least 10 fatalities at the scene. The victims were returning from Khatu Shyam after offering prayers,” said SP Rana. “Several injured have been referred to SMS Hospital in Jaipur for advanced treatment.”
The toll rose to 11 after one of the critically injured succumbed at the hospital, confirmed Dausa Deputy SP Ravi Prakash Sharma.
The cause of the collision is under investigation, with authorities working to determine whether poor visibility, fatigue, or vehicle malfunction contributed to the tragedy.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep grief over the incident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. The UP CMO said that officials have been instructed to coordinate with Rajasthan authorities to assist affected families.
More updates are awaited as the investigation progresses.
