Kota, Rajasthan – A tragic accident on the Kota-Lalsot highway in Bundi district claimed the lives of three pilgrims and left eight others injured on Sunday when a container truck, reportedly carrying a load of cotton, toppled onto a group of devotees travelling on foot. The incident occurred near the Papdi overbridge while the pilgrims were en route to the Choth Ka Barwada temple in Sawai Madhopur district, sending shockwaves through the local community.

According to police officials, the container truck lost balance and overturned, crushing several pilgrims under its weight. Two devotees died on the spot, while a third succumbed to injuries while being transported to MBS Hospital in Kota. Eight others were seriously injured in the accident and are currently receiving medical care at the hospital, though doctors have confirmed that all are out of danger.

The deceased were identified as Kishan Lal Kevat, Kalulal, and Rajaram, all residents of Bundi district. The injured pilgrims, whose identities have not yet been disclosed, were quickly transported to MBS Hospital for treatment, where medical teams worked to stabilize their conditions. Kota Medical College Principal Dr. Sangeeta Saxena confirmed that all patients under care are currently stable and expected to recover.

The gravity of the accident prompted immediate visits from senior leaders. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived at the hospital to assess the condition of the injured and directed medical personnel to ensure prompt and effective care. Rajasthan Energy Minister Heeral Lal Nagar also visited the facility, personally speaking with the injured and assuring families that the government would provide support.

Kota Inspector General Rajendra Prasad Goyal provided details of the incident during a press briefing at the hospital. He said, “Three persons were killed while eight others sustained injuries in the mishap on the Kota-Lalsot highway on Sunday noon. Technical officials from the Public Works Department and the National Highway Authority of India will inspect the site to ascertain the factors that led to the truck losing balance and overturning.”

Preliminary reports indicate that foggy weather conditions in the region may have contributed to the accident. In response, the police have announced plans to deploy seven to eight mobile vans along highways frequented by pilgrims to monitor traffic and prevent such mishaps in the future. Senior officers emphasized the need for increased vigilance, especially during early morning and winter months when visibility is reduced due to dense fog.

The accident sparked immediate outrage among local residents. Furious villagers gathered at the scene of the mishap, staging a protest that disrupted traffic along the highway. As part of the demonstration, locals set fire to the spilled cotton from the overturned container, amplifying the chaos. Authorities had to manage both the emergency response and the demonstrations to ensure that relief efforts were not hampered.

The pilgrims involved in the accident were part of a larger group travelling to the Choth Ka Barwada temple, a popular site for devotees in Sawai Madhopur district. Eyewitnesses described a sudden, terrifying scene as the truck toppled onto the group, leaving some pilgrims trapped under the heavy cotton-laden vehicle. “It happened so fast,” one survivor recounted. “We were walking along the highway, and suddenly the truck toppled. People were screaming; some were crushed, others trying to run for cover. It was horrifying.”

Lakheri Station House Officer Subash Sharma confirmed that the truck’s load of cotton likely shifted, causing it to lose balance. “The container truck, carrying a heavy cotton load, turned turtle and came down on the pilgrims. Two devotees died instantly, and another was critically injured and died en route to the hospital,” he said. Sharma added that the driver’s condition is under investigation, and further technical inquiries will be conducted to determine whether negligence or mechanical failure contributed to the accident.

The aftermath of the accident also highlighted the need for better safety measures along highways frequently used by pilgrims. Authorities have reiterated the importance of clear signages, speed regulation, and vigilance during adverse weather conditions. Local law enforcement and highway authorities are coordinating to ensure that heavy vehicles are monitored, especially during the peak pilgrimage season.

Meanwhile, rescue operations and relief measures were promptly initiated by the administration. Teams from the police and fire services assisted in clearing the overturned truck and the spilled cotton from the road, ensuring that the highway could be reopened for traffic. Relief efforts also included providing immediate medical attention to the injured and offering assistance to families affected by the tragedy.

The demonstration by agitated locals continued into the evening, reflecting the community’s anger over the accident and concerns over road safety. Protesters demanded accountability, calling for stricter traffic regulations and improved monitoring of commercial vehicles on highways. Authorities assured villagers that investigations would be thorough and that recommendations for improved safety protocols would be implemented.

The tragedy in Bundi has raised concerns about the safety of highways used by large groups of pilgrims, especially in rural areas where road conditions can be hazardous, and emergency response mechanisms may not be readily available. Public officials have emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach, including better vehicle maintenance regulations, careful oversight of cargo loads, and increased awareness campaigns for both drivers and pedestrians.

Rajasthan’s administration is now reviewing policies to enhance highway safety for pilgrims and other pedestrians. The deployment of mobile vans for monitoring traffic, particularly during foggy conditions, is part of a larger initiative to prevent similar accidents in the future. Authorities are also examining the possibility of installing speed-limiting mechanisms for heavy vehicles on certain stretches and enhancing emergency response readiness along key pilgrimage routes.

The accident has prompted expressions of grief and solidarity from political leaders and citizens alike. Condolences have poured in for the families of the deceased, and promises of government support, including compensation, have been made. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, during his hospital visit, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that affected families receive timely assistance and that measures are taken to prevent recurrence of such tragedies.

In conclusion, the container truck accident on the Kota-Lalsot highway in Bundi, resulting in three deaths and eight injuries, has highlighted the urgent need for stricter safety regulations, proactive monitoring of highways, and better emergency response mechanisms. While authorities continue to investigate the precise causes of the accident, immediate relief and medical care for the victims have been prioritized. Meanwhile, the administration’s focus is now on preventing future accidents, improving road safety for pilgrims, and addressing community concerns arising from this tragic incident.

The Bundi tragedy stands as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of pedestrians on highways and the critical importance of safety measures for both commercial vehicles and citizens. Authorities and communities alike are now urged to work together to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future, and that pilgrims can travel safely to their destinations.