Bus–truck crash on Jaipur-Bikaner highway kills four.
The sleeper bus heading from Bikaner to Jaipur collided with the truck, causing the tragic crash and multiple casualties.
A tragic accident late Tuesday night on the Jaipur–Bikaner National Highway in Rajasthan’s Sikar district claimed four lives and left 27 people injured, casting a shadow of grief over families and communities awaiting the safe return of their loved ones. The fatal collision occurred when a sleeper bus travelling from Bikaner toward Jaipur crashed head-on with an oncoming truck, sending passengers jolting from their sleep and turning a routine journey into a deadly calamity.
According to police officials, the bus was carrying a group of passengers who were on their way back to Gujarat after completing a long trip to Jammu and Kashmir. What began as a journey home after an enriching visit to the northernmost parts of the country ended abruptly in chaos on a dimly lit stretch of highway.
Initial reports indicate that both vehicles were travelling at considerable speed when they rammed into each other. The force of the impact left the front portions of the bus and truck mangled, trapping several passengers inside the overturned bus. Eyewitnesses from nearby villages, who were among the first to rush to the scene, described the sound of the collision as “deafening,” followed by cries for help that echoed through the cold night air.
Emergency services, including police teams and ambulances, arrived swiftly. Under the beams of flashlights and vehicle headlights, authorities worked frantically to pull survivors from the wreckage. Some passengers managed to climb out on their own, dazed and bleeding, while others had to be cut free from twisted metal.
Police confirmed that four individuals died as a result of the crash. Among them, three died on the spot, while one critically injured passenger who had been rushed to Jaipur’s SMS Hospital succumbed to injuries during treatment. Their identities are expected to be released after proper verification and notification of their families.
The toll of the injured, 27 in total, paints a picture of the scale of the impact. Fifteen passengers were taken to Sikar District Hospital where they are undergoing treatment. Doctors there reported that most suffered fractures, head injuries, or internal trauma, though several are said to be in stable condition. Thirteen other passengers received primary treatment at a hospital in Fatehgarh before being discharged. Local authorities said these passengers suffered relatively minor injuries, such as cuts, bruises, and mild shock.
The critically injured passenger who was referred to Jaipur had undergone intensive medical support before he passed away. Hospital staff said his injuries were “extensive and life-threatening,” making survival difficult despite quick medical intervention.
Back in Sikar, relatives of the victims gathered outside the hospital as news of the accident spread through phone calls and social media. Many were seen in tears, anxiously waiting for updates. Doctors and police officials have been briefing the family members, arranging transportation, and coordinating support where needed.
The police have launched a formal investigation to determine what exactly led to the collision. While the final report is pending, preliminary indications suggest that visibility on the highway may have been low at the time of the crash. Investigators are also looking into whether fatigue, driver error, or mechanical failure contributed to the accident. Both vehicles, which sustained severe damage, have been seized for forensic examination.
Highway accidents involving sleeper buses have been a recurring concern in Rajasthan and several other states, where long-distance travel during nighttime often leads to increased risk. Drivers frequently operate under tight schedules, covering large distances with limited rest. Passengers inside sleeper buses — many lying down or unbelted — are far more vulnerable to severe injury during frontal collisions.
Local residents near the accident site said road conditions on the Jaipur–Bikaner National Highway need improvement. Portions of the road are known for narrow lanes, heavy traffic, and inconsistent lighting, especially at night. They urged authorities to install better street lighting, speed-regulating devices, and more highway patrol units to prevent similar tragedies.
Authorities have assured that all medical and logistical support is being provided to the victims. They are also helping families with documentation, travel arrangements, and identification processes where required. The Gujarat government has been informed and is expected to coordinate with Rajasthan authorities for assistance to passengers from the state.
For the families who were expecting the safe return of their loved ones from a memorable trip to Jammu and Kashmir, the news has been devastating. What should have been a cheerful end to a long journey became an unexpected nightmare. As investigations continue and survivors begin the long road to recovery, the accident stands as another sobering reminder of the urgent need to strengthen road safety measures across India’s highways.