Tragic Expressway Crash in Kota Claims Eight Lives

Eight people died and fifteen others sustained injuries when a minibus carrying pilgrims plunged into a deep drain along the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan's Kota district on Saturday morning. The accident occurred around 6 a.m. near pole number 384, after the vehicle veered off the eight-lane road.

Rescue Operations

Emergency personnel deployed cranes to fish out the damaged vehicle and rescue trapped individuals, as accumulated mud and water inside the drain hampered initial efforts. According to Kota Rural Superintendent of Police Sujeet Shankar, most passengers belonged to extended families from Madhya Pradesh who had set out on a pilgrimage. An injured passenger named Anshika stated that many passengers were asleep when the vehicle went off course, and authorities suspect the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

Medical Treatment

Injured individuals were rushed to the New Medical College Hospital and MBS Hospital for urgent care. NMCH Principal Dr. Nilesh Jain confirmed that treatment and necessary investigations like CT scans were promptly started. Dr. Ashutosh Sharma of the hospital's Super Speciality Block reported receiving fifteen patients, including seven who were brought dead and eight critical individuals who received primary stabilisation.

Context

Road accidents caused by driver fatigue remain a major concern on high-speed expressways across India, particularly during long-distance overnight journeys. Expressways allow for high speeds, making driver drowsiness a severe hazard that often leads vehicles to veer off course. Authorities frequently urge drivers taking long routes to take adequate rest breaks to prevent such tragedies.