At least 15 people were killed and two others injured when a tempo traveller carrying devotees collided with a stationary trailer truck near Matoda village on the Bharat Mala Highway in Rajasthan’s Phalodi on Sunday, police said.
According to Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash, the injured were initially taken to a hospital in Osian for first aid and later referred to Jodhpur for further treatment. “Fifteen passengers died, while two others sustained serious injuries,” he said.
Police said the victims were residents of the Sursagar area of Jodhpur and were returning from the Kolayat temple in Bikaner after offering prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram. All the bodies have been kept in the mortuary of the Osian government hospital.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed officials to provide all necessary assistance to the victims’ families and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also conveyed his condolences. In a post on X, he wrote, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the road accident in Matoda, Phalodi, which claimed 15 lives. I pray for peace for the departed souls, strength for their families, and a speedy recovery for the injured.”
(PTI)
