Dausa (Rajeev Sharma): A tragic accident on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan’s Dausa district left seven passengers dead and at least 22 others injured after a sleeper coach rammed into a trailer and was engulfed in flames during the early hours of Wednesday.
The private bus was travelling from Rishikesh to Indore when the collision occurred at around 2:30 a.m. Initial reports indicate that the vehicle crashed into a trailer moving ahead on the expressway, following which a massive fire broke out, quickly spreading to both vehicles.
The impact threw several passengers from their berths, while others found themselves trapped inside the burning bus. Thick smoke and flames made rescue efforts difficult as terrified passengers scrambled to escape through windows and emergency exits.
Emergency services, including police, firefighters and local residents, reached the accident site soon after receiving information. Rescue teams managed to evacuate the injured and extinguish the blaze before shifting the victims to nearby hospitals.
Officials said five passengers died after suffering severe burn injuries, while two others succumbed to fatal head injuries sustained in the collision. Many of those injured are undergoing treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities have begun an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. While excessive speed is suspected to have played a role, investigators are also examining other factors, including the circumstances leading to the collision and the condition of both vehicles.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the safety of overnight highway travel, particularly involving long-distance passenger buses. Police are recording statements from survivors and collecting evidence from the accident site as part of the ongoing probe.
