Published on: October 19, 2025 | 3:30 AM IST

Meerut — Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat narrowly escaped a serious road accident on Saturday evening when his convoy was involved in a collision on National Highway 58 near Kharoli villagein Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh. Officials confirmed that the veteran leader was unharmed, though one police personnel accompanying him sustained minor injuries.

Accident Details

The accident occurred between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm, according to Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Raghavendra Mishra, who was among the first to arrive at the scene. Rawat’s convoy was en route from Delhi to Dehradun when a pedestrian suddenly darted across the highway in front of the police escort vehicle leading the convoy.

In an attempt to avoid hitting the man, the escort driver applied sudden brakes. The abrupt stop caused the following vehicles to collide in a chain reaction, with one of them being the car carrying Harish Rawat. The impact damaged multiple vehicles in the convoy, but the quick response from security personnel prevented further harm.

Police Response and Immediate Action

Following the collision, police officers in the escort team immediately rushed to assist the former chief minister. They helped him exit the damaged car and swiftly transferred him to another vehicle. The convoy resumed its journey toward Dehradun shortly afterward.

“Fortunately, Mr. Rawat was completely unharmed. Only one head constable in the escort vehicle sustained minor injuries,” SP Mishra told PTI, confirming that no other passengers were seriously hurt. He added that the accident site was promptly cleared to ensure smooth traffic movement along the busy highway.

Harish Rawat’s Statement

After the incident, Harish Rawat took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to reassure his supporters and well-wishers about his safety. In his post, the 76-year-old Congress veteran wrote, “I am fine. There is no need to worry. The car has definitely been damaged, but everyone is safe.”

The message quickly went viral, drawing relief and well-wishes from political colleagues and supporters across Uttarakhand and beyond.

Political Reactions and Support

Local Congress leaders expressed gratitude that their senior leader escaped without injuries. Chaudhary Yashpal Singh, a Congress leader familiar with the situation, confirmed that prompt action by the accompanying police officers prevented what could have been a major mishap.

“We are relieved that Harish Rawat ji is safe. The police and security personnel acted with great presence of mind. The situation could have been far worse, given the speed and conditions on the highway,” Singh said, according to the PTI report.

Several other political figures from Uttarakhand also took to social media to express their concern and relief. Messages of support poured in from party members, with many praising Rawat’s resilience and calm handling of the situation.

Background and Recent Engagements

Harish Rawat, one of Uttarakhand’s most prominent political figures, has served as Chief Minister and remains a senior leader within the Indian National Congress. Known for his extensive political experience and grassroots connect, he has been actively participating in party events and public meetings in both Uttarakhand and Delhi in recent weeks.

Sources close to Rawat said he was returning to Dehradun after a series of engagements in the national capital when the accident occurred. Despite the incident, Rawat reportedly insisted on continuing his journey rather than halting for the night.

Condition of Vehicles and Traffic Impact

Eyewitnesses reported that the impact caused visible damage to at least two cars in the convoy, including the one Rawat was travelling in. The front portions of the vehicles bore the brunt of the collision, though airbags and seatbelts mitigated the risk of serious injury.

The accident temporarily disrupted traffic on NH-58, a key corridor connecting Delhi, Meerut, and Haridwar. Police personnel from nearby stations quickly reached the spot to manage the situation and restore normal flow.

“The convoy vehicles were moved to the side of the road within minutes, and the damaged cars were towed away. There was no major traffic jam, and normal movement resumed shortly after,” a local police officer said.

A Narrow Escape for the Veteran Leader

This is not the first time the senior Congress leader has been involved in a close call on the road. Over the years, Rawat has been known for his frequent travels across the region, often covering long distances by road to meet constituents and attend events. Saturday’s incident serves as yet another reminder of the risks public figures face during extensive road travel, especially along busy intercity highways.

Despite the scare, Harish Rawat’s composed response and immediate reassurance on social media helped quell public anxiety. The quick coordination between his team and local police ensured his safety and a swift continuation of his journey.

For now, Rawat’s team has confirmed that he is “resting and doing well,” while the damaged vehicle remains under inspection by the authorities.