Rajasthan pickup van crash kills 11 pilgrims.
A pickup carrying 20 people hit a stationary truck in a highway service lane, killing 11 and injuring eight, including one critically, according to the SP’s statement on the accident.
Tragedy Strikes in Rajasthan’s Dausa: 11 Pilgrims, Including Seven Children, Lose Their Lives in Pickup Van Accident
Jaipur:
In the quiet, early hours of Wednesday morning, a journey meant to be full of faith and devotion turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. A pickup van carrying pilgrims crashed into a stationary truck in Rajasthan’s Dausa district, claiming the lives of 11 people — among them seven innocent children — and injuring eight others.
The passengers, all from Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district, had just completed a spiritual visit to the revered Khatu Shyam and Salasar Balaji temples. They were on their way back home when the unimaginable happened.
The Accident
As per Dausa Superintendent of Police Sagar, the pickup vehicle was travelling along the service lane of the highway when it rammed into a parked truck. In an instant, what began as a routine drive under the still-dark sky became a scene of chaos, shock, and grief.
Local residents, hearing the impact, rushed to the site and alerted authorities. Emergency teams arrived quickly, but for several passengers, help came too late.
Lives Lost and Identities Revealed
Of the 11 killed, seven were children, their lives cut short far too soon. Four women also perished in the crash. Officials have identified seven of the victims:
- Poorvi (3)
- Daksh (12)
- Seema (25)
- Priyanka (25)
- Anshu (26)
- Saurabh (28)
- Sheela (35)
The names, ages, and faces behind the statistics speak to the deep personal loss for their families and the community.
Injuries and Critical Condition
The vehicle had been carrying 20 people in total. They were swiftly taken to nearby hospitals, where medical teams are working to stabilise them.
Voices of Condolence
The tragedy has resonated beyond Dausa. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a “heart-rending loss.” He directed officials to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment and that all necessary arrangements be made without delay.
“Such accidents leave scars that go far beyond the physical damage,” one leader remarked.
Faith and Fate
For many in India, pilgrimages to places like Khatu Shyam and Salasar Balaji are more than just journeys — they are acts of devotion, prayers in motion, and moments shared with loved ones. The victims in this tragedy had just fulfilled their vows and were returning home with memories of blessings, unaware that their lives were about to be forever changed.
The Road Ahead
While the exact circumstances leading to the collision are still under investigation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by stationary vehicles on highways, especially in the dim light of early morning. Authorities are expected to examine road safety measures and enforcement in the area.
As the sun rose over Dausa on Wednesday, it illuminated a scene of loss — shattered glass, twisted metal, and the lingering weight of what had been taken away. In Etah, families are now preparing for the heartbreaking task of bringing their loved ones home for the final rites.
The journey that began with faith has ended in mourning, leaving behind a void that no words can truly fill.