Rajasthan highway tragedy: 15 pilgrims killed as minibus crashes into parked truck near Phalodi

At least 15 people lost their lives and two others were seriously injured after a minibus carrying pilgrims crashed into a parked truck on the Bharat Mala Highway near Matoda village in Rajasthan’s Phalodi district on Sunday. The victims were returning to Sursagar in Jodhpur after visiting Kolayat in Bikaner when the tragic accident occurred.

According to officials, the incident took place around 400 kilometres from Jaipur, the state capital. The bus, which was carrying 18 passengers, including several children, was returning from a pilgrimage when it collided at high speed with the stationary truck on the roadside. The impact was so severe that most passengers died on the spot.

Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash confirmed the casualties, stating, “Fifteen passengers have died, while two others sustained serious injuries. The injured were rushed to a hospital in Osian for immediate treatment and later referred to Jodhpur for advanced medical care.”

All the bodies have been kept in the mortuary of the Osian government hospital for post-mortem examinations. Heartbroken relatives of the victims gathered outside the hospital to identify their loved ones. One family member told ANI, “There were 18 people in the bus, including 4–5 children. They had all gone to Kolayat. My brother and my sons’ wives were among them.”

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed deep grief over the loss of lives, assuring full support to the affected families. “The government stands with the victims in this hour of grief,” he said, directing officials to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment and that the families of the deceased are provided with immediate assistance.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also offered condolences, posting on X, “I am extremely saddened to hear about the death of 15 people in a road accident in Matoda, Phalodi. I pray to God to give strength to the families of the deceased and a speedy recovery to those injured.”

This tragic accident comes just weeks after another devastating road disaster in Jaisalmer, where 26 people were burnt alive when a sleeper bus caught fire following a short circuit in its air-conditioning system. The Jaisalmer tragedy exposed serious safety lapses, as the vehicle reportedly lacked an emergency exit. In response, the Rajasthan Transport Department launched an intensive inspection drive across the state to crack down on illegal modifications and permit violations in commercial vehicles.

The Phalodi accident once again highlights the urgent need for stricter road safety measures, better highway lighting, and stricter enforcement of parking regulations to prevent vehicles from being left unattended on busy highways.