Jaipur, India — A devastating road accident involving a dumper truck collided with several vehicles in the Harmada area of Jaipur, resulting in the tragic deaths of 13 people and leaving 10 others injured on Monday afternoon. This incident unfolded on a busy highway near Loha Mandi, where witnesses reported that the truck careened into at least 17 vehicles over a distance of approximately 300 meters before finally crashing into a trailer.
Eyewitness accounts painted a horrifying picture of the aftermath, with injured individuals scattered across the road and many vehicles severely damaged. Local shopkeeper Mahesh Sharma described the scene as chaotic, recalling the rescue efforts as people desperately tried to extract bodies from the wreckage amidst the chaos and blood.
Authorities have indicated that the dumper was driven at high speed and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Jaipur District Collector Jitendra Soni confirmed that the driver lost control while speeding toward the Loha Mandi petrol station. Following the impact, locals pursued the vehicle, which accelerated further, reportedly hitting pedestrians and motorcyclists before coming to a stop after colliding with a trailer on the Delhi-Ajmer Highway.
Initial statements from police officials suggest that the driver, who sustained injuries in the crash, will undergo a medical examination to determine if intoxication played a role in the incident. Additionally, CCTV footage indicates that the dumper was traveling at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour.
Among the victims were members of a family returning from a religious site, with reports indicating that a child and two women were among the deceased. Rakesh, a relative of one victim, recounted the devastating moment when the dumper struck his family’s vehicle, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities.
As news of the tragedy spread, protests erupted in the local community, with residents calling for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations. This incident follows another recent road accident in the region, where 15 individuals, including several women and children, lost their lives in a separate mishap on the same day.
Reacting to the tragedy, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed his condolences and directed officials to ensure that the injured received adequate medical care. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu also extended their sympathies, with Modi announcing financial support of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured.
As investigations continue into the circumstances of the crash, the community grapples with the loss and seeks answers to prevent future tragedies on the roads of Rajasthan.