As many as 15 people died and two people suffered injuries in a tragic road accident in Rajasthan's Phalodi on Sunday. The deceased hailed from Jodhpur, and they were returning from Bikaner after a pilgrimage, authorities said.
According to authorities, the tempo traveller carrying devotees rammed into a stationary truck near Matoda village on the Bharat Mala Highway on Sunday evening.
"Fifteen passengers died, while two others sustained serious injuries. The injured were first taken to a hospital in Osian for primary treatment and later referred to Jodhpur," Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash said.
The victims were residents of the Sursagar area in Jodhpur and were returning from the Kolayat temple in Bikaner after offering prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram, police said.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the incident and said he has instructed officials to ensure all possible assistance to the victims' families and proper medical care for the injured.
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Former chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot also mourned the loss of lives. Gehlot tweeted, "I have just received the news that 15 people have died in a road accident in Matoda, Phalodi. Hearing this, my heart is extremely saddened. I pray to God to grant a place at His holy feet to all the deceased, give strength to their families, and a speedy recovery to the injured."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced solatium for the families of the deceased. In a statement, Modi said, "Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Phalodi district, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000." |
