Jaipur: A tragic accident unfolded on Friday night in Jaipur’s Patrakar Colony near Kharabas Circle, when a speeding Audi car lost control and ploughed into pedestrians, killing one person and injuring at least sixteen others. The incident, which occurred on a busy stretch of the city, has raised concerns about reckless driving and the dangers posed by intoxicated motorists.

According to police officials, the Audi, allegedly being driven under the influence of alcohol, was racing with another vehicle when it veered off course. The car reportedly hit a road divider before crashing into roadside stalls, food carts, and pedestrians along a thirty-metre stretch. The vehicle eventually came to a halt after colliding with a tree roughly 100 metres from the initial impact site. Visuals from the scene showed the car heavily damaged, with its side and rear windshields shattered and the bodywork mangled.

Sequence of the Incident

The accident took place in a crowded area where more than fifty people had gathered near Kharabas Circle, a busy junction in Jaipur. According to Station House Officer (SHO) Madan Kadwasra, the car hit over ten street stalls before running over more than sixteen people. The vehicle was occupied by four individuals, one of whom has been detained by the police, while the others reportedly fled the scene. The police also seized the Audi for further investigation.

Authorities have stated that the occupants of the car were allegedly intoxicated at the time of the crash. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across Jaipur, underscores the persistent risks of high-speed racing and drunk driving in urban areas.

Casualties and Medical Response

All injured pedestrians were rushed to Jaipuria Hospital for primary treatment. Four of the critically injured were later referred to Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital for advanced care. Dr. Ravinder Kumar, who received the victims, confirmed that a total of thirteen patients were initially admitted, with one declared dead at the hospital.

The deceased has been identified as Ramesh Bairwa, a resident of Bhilwara. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Bairwa succumbed to his injuries. Dr. Kumar added that while some of the injured suffered serious injuries, others sustained minor trauma and were treated before being discharged. Several victims were also taken home by family members after initial treatment at the hospital.

Government Response

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the loss of life and instructed officials to ensure that all injured individuals received proper medical attention. Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar visited Jaipuria Hospital to assess the condition of the victims and oversee arrangements for their treatment.

The state government has urged law enforcement agencies to expedite the investigation into the incident and ensure that appropriate legal action is taken against the driver and any accomplices involved.

Public Reaction and Safety Concerns

The accident has sparked outrage among residents and social media users, highlighting the dangers posed by reckless driving, particularly in densely populated areas. Citizens have demanded stricter enforcement of traffic rules and more stringent penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. Local business owners, whose stalls were destroyed in the crash, also voiced concerns about safety and compensation for damages.

Traffic safety experts have pointed out that incidents like these are preventable with stricter regulation, routine sobriety checks, and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of speeding and intoxicated driving. The Audi crash near Kharabas Circle serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, responsible driving, and timely action by authorities to prevent similar tragedies.

Investigation Underway

Police have confirmed that the case is under investigation. They are working to identify all occupants of the vehicle, determine the exact cause of the crash, and examine whether speed and alcohol consumption were the primary factors. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras and statements from eyewitnesses are being collected to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the accident.

Authorities have also urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation. The investigation will also explore whether the Audi’s owners or occupants were involved in other illegal activities, including street racing.

Context and Broader Concerns

Jaipur has witnessed multiple accidents in recent years linked to speeding and drunk driving, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Despite awareness campaigns and stricter traffic enforcement, incidents like this highlight the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in balancing urban mobility with pedestrian safety.

Local civic bodies have been urged to review traffic management near busy junctions like Kharabas Circle and Patrakar Colony. Proposed measures include better street lighting, pedestrian crossings, speed breakers, and regular monitoring to prevent such accidents in the future.

Conclusion

The tragic incident in Jaipur on Friday night has left one person dead, several injured, and a community shaken. The state government and local authorities are taking immediate steps to treat the injured, investigate the accident, and enforce accountability. Meanwhile, residents and public safety advocates continue to stress the importance of responsible driving and stricter adherence to traffic laws to prevent such avoidable tragedies.

The loss of Ramesh Bairwa and injuries to sixteen others serve as a sobering reminder of the human cost of reckless driving. As Jaipur mourns the fatal accident, the focus remains on ensuring justice, supporting the victims, and implementing measures to prevent future incidents.

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