11 Pilgrims, Including 7 Children, Killed in Rajasthan Road Accident
Eleven people, including seven children and three women, were killed and several others injured in a tragic road accident in Rajasthan's Dausa district. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when a pickup truck carrying pilgrims collided with a stationary container truck. The victims, all from Uttar Pradesh's Etah district, were returning after visiting the Khatu Shyam and Salasar Balaji temples. Local authorities have launched an investigation, and the injured have been transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Unpacked:
Speeding is the leading cause of road accident fatalities in Rajasthan, accounting for 83% of deaths in 2023. Other infractions, such as ignoring traffic signals and reckless driving, contribute to a much smaller percentage of fatal accidents.
Rajasthan ranks 6th in the number of road accident fatalities and 8th in total road accidents among Indian states. It is one of six states responsible for over half of all road accident fatalities in India.
Khatu Shyam and Salasar Balaji are prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites in Rajasthan. Thousands of devotees visit these temples annually, especially during religious festivals, often traveling long distances in groups, which sometimes increases the risk of road accidents due to crowded vehicles and nighttime travel.
Rajasthan has introduced several road safety measures, such as stricter enforcement of speed limits, regular awareness campaigns, installation of traffic cameras, and improved emergency response systems. However, enforcement and public compliance remain challenges, and accidents, especially in rural areas, remain a significant concern.