In a tragic incident in India’s Rajasthan state, a privately operated bus collided with a concrete culvert on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, leading to the deaths of 13 passengers and injuring over 35 others in the Sikar district, known for its numerous cultural and religious landmarks.
The bus was on its route from Salasar to Nawalgarh when it lost control and hit the culvert near Laxmangarh at a speed of about 50 mph. Investigators at the scene reported that the collision was so violent that the bus was split into two parts.
The initial impact of the crash claimed two lives, while three more passengers succumbed to their injuries during surgery. At present, 23 people are undergoing treatment for severe injuries at local health centers, with some of the more serious cases being transferred to hospitals in Jaipur for specialized medical care.
Expressing his deep sadness over the unfortunate event, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. He termed the bus accident in Sikar’s Laxmangarh area as extremely tragic and painful. He also assured that officials had been directed to ensure that the injured receive adequate medical attention, posting his message on X.
According to eyewitness reports, the bus failed to properly negotiate a turn on a bridge, leading to the disastrous crash. Local residents and passersby joined in the rescue efforts before the arrival of emergency services.
In response to the tragedy, the Indian government has announced monetary aid for the victims’ families. Families of the deceased will receive $2,378, and those injured will get $595.
This incident adds to a growing list of bus crashes in India this year, underscoring the grave safety concerns on the country’s roads.
Earlier in August, another devastating event took place in Nepal’s mountainous Tanahun district. A bus carrying 41 individuals, including 24 Indian tourists, slid off a narrow road and plunged into a swollen river, resulting in 27 fatalities.
These incidents draw attention to the ongoing concerns over insufficient safety regulations and the challenging conditions in mountainous regions, where steep, winding roads often pose severe risks for overloaded or speeding vehicles.