18 Pilgrims Killed in Horrific Road Accident in Rajasthan's Phalodi; CM Bhajan Lal Expresses Grief

Phalodi Road Accident: 18 Dead, Several Injured After Tempo Traveller Collides with Parked Trailer in Rajasthan

A tragic road accident in Rajasthan’s Phalodi district has claimed the lives of 18 pilgrims and left several others critically injured. The incident took place late Saturday night near the Matoda area when a tempo traveller carrying devotees rammed into a stationary trailer parked along the roadside. The collision was so severe that the front portion of the vehicle was completely crushed, trapping several passengers inside.

According to police reports, the devotees belonged to the Mali community from Jalore’s Soorsagar region. They were returning from a pilgrimage to the Kolayat Temple in Bikaner when the accident occurred. Preliminary information suggests that the tempo was speeding, and due to heavy fog and poor visibility, the driver failed to notice the parked trailer in time.

Rescue Operations and Police Response

Local residents rushed to the scene immediately after the crash and began rescue operations. Many of the injured were pulled out from the mangled remains of the vehicle before the arrival of emergency services. Upon receiving information, police teams and ambulances reached the site and began relief efforts. The injured were first taken to a nearby hospital for initial treatment and later shifted to Jodhpur for advanced medical care.

#राजस्थान के #जोधपुर जिले के ओंसिया के निकट मतोड़ा थाना क्षेत्र में द*र्दनाक सड़क हादसा ,खड़े ट्रेलर में श्रदालुअों की बस घुसी,18 श्रदालुओं की मौके पर मौ*त,आधा दर्जन श्रदालु घायल @CP_Jodhpur @Phalodi_Police#jodhpur #phalodi #roadaccident #news #jodhpur pic.twitter.com/jYqW020wMe

— Namaskaar Nation-Dainik (@namaskaarnation) November 2, 2025

CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Expresses Condolences

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. In an official statement, he directed district authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment without delay. The CM also extended condolences to the bereaved families and instructed officials to submit a detailed report on the incident at the earliest.

Negligence Behind the Accident

Initial investigation points to negligence on the part of the trailer owner and driver. The trailer was reportedly parked on the roadside without reflectors or warning signs, making it nearly invisible in low light and foggy conditions. Police have registered a case and launched a search for those responsible.

Officials have emphasized that such negligence not only violates road safety rules but also endangers countless lives. Authorities are now reviewing the region’s road safety measures, especially along busy pilgrimage and highway routes.

Road Safety Concerns in Rajasthan

This accident once again highlights the recurring issue of road safety in Rajasthan. Poor visibility, lack of proper lighting, and unauthorized roadside parking have been major contributors to fatal accidents across the state. Experts have called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, installation of reflectors on heavy vehicles, and regular monitoring by highway patrols to prevent such tragedies.

Eyewitness Accounts and Public Reaction

Eyewitnesses described the scene as “heart-wrenching,” with the impact so strong that the sound of the crash echoed through nearby villages. Many villagers, without waiting for authorities, used tools to break open the vehicle and rescue the trapped passengers. Social media has since been flooded with condolences and appeals for stricter action against road safety violations.

As Rajasthan mourns the loss of 18 innocent lives, the tragic Phalodi accident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to strengthen road safety awareness and enforce stricter laws to protect commuters on the state’s highways.