The accident took place at around 7 am in the Simliya police station area. The vehicle was reportedly carrying around 20 passengers who were travelling from Betul in Madhya Pradesh to the Khatu Shyam temple in Rajasthan’s Sikar district.

According to preliminary information, the vehicle was travelling towards Sultanpur after crossing the Karadiya toll plaza when the driver apparently lost control. The Tempo Traveller broke through the road divider and fell nearly 20 feet into a drain before crashing into a wall.

Four passengers died at the spot

The impact of the crash severely damaged the vehicle and left several passengers trapped inside. Police and emergency personnel rushed to the location after receiving information about the accident.

Four passengers were reportedly killed at the scene. Three more passengers later died while being taken to hospital, taking the total number of fatalities to seven.

Ten other passengers sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals in Kota for treatment. Some of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.

Rescue teams rushed to the accident site

Local residents and motorists who reached the accident site helped in the initial rescue efforts. Police personnel, emergency teams and National Highways Authority of India personnel subsequently joined the operation.

A crane was brought to the location to remove the damaged Tempo Traveller and assist rescuers in reaching passengers who remained trapped inside the vehicle.

Four ambulances were also deployed to transport the injured to medical facilities. The injured passengers were taken to the New Hospital attached to Kota Medical College and MBS Hospital in Kota.

Driver may have lost control

Police have begun an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the accident.

Officials are reportedly examining the possibility that the driver may have fallen asleep while driving. The vehicle suddenly veered out of control, crossed the divider and plunged into the drain before hitting the wall.

Investigators are expected to examine the condition of the vehicle, the driver’s movements and other circumstances surrounding the journey to determine the precise cause of the crash.

Passengers were travelling to Khatu Shyam temple

The passengers were travelling from Madhya Pradesh to Rajasthan to visit the Khatu Shyam temple, one of the state’s prominent pilgrimage destinations.

The group had reportedly started its journey from Betul on Friday night. The accident occurred during the early morning hours while the vehicle was passing through Kota district.

The crash has once again raised concerns about road safety during long-distance overnight journeys, particularly when drivers operate vehicles for extended periods without adequate rest.

Condolences expressed for victims

Following the accident, condolences were expressed for those who lost their lives. Prayers were also offered for the recovery of the injured passengers.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the accident, while the injured remain under medical care at hospitals in Kota.