In the early hours of Wednesday, August 13, 2025, a horrific accident on the Dausa-Manoharpur National Highway near Bapi village in Rajasthan claimed at least eleven lives, including seven children and four women.
The victims were pilgrims from Etah, Uttar Pradesh, returning from Khatushyamji and Salasar Balaji temples when their pickup van rammed into a stationary container truck. Local authorities led swift rescue operations, transferring the critically injured to Jaipur’s SMS Hospital and providing care to survivors.
The tragic incident has sparked renewed calls for road safety reforms and systemic action, as communities mourn the loss and officials vow support for affected families.
Immediate Aftermath: Despair, Rescue, and Official Condolences
Chaos erupted in the moments following the collision, with screams piercing the quiet night. The accident occurred between 3AM and 5AM, instantly killing ten passengers, many of whom were young children returning home with their families after a spiritual pilgrimage.
Another woman succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment later in hospital. Rescue operations were led by Dausa District Collector Devendra Kumar and Superintendent of Police Sagar Rana, who coordinated transfers, ensured medical aid, and oversaw relief measures. “According to initial reports, 10 people have died in an accident near Bapi.
Nine people have been referred for treatment and three are at the District Hospital,” Collector Kumar stated. Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow, pledging prompt support and sharing: “May God grant peace to the departed souls and a speedy recovery to the injured.” Identified victims include Purvi (3), Priyanka (25), Daksh (12), Sheela (35), Seema (25), Anshu (26), and Saurabh (35).
Road Safety in Question: Calls for Reform Intensify
This devastating event marks the second fatal accident on the same stretch of highway within days, prompting widespread outrage and urgent demands for traffic and infrastructure reform. Community members and local stakeholders have repeatedly voiced concerns about negligent parking practices, the absence of dividers, and lax enforcement of traffic regulations.
Police investigations point to possible fatigue or reckless driving as contributing factors, with reports indicating the pickup van may have been attempting to overtake another vehicle before hitting the stationary truck.
The mounting toll of accidents involving pilgrims and families on India’s highways underlines persistent systemic failures, as grieving relatives and local leaders urge sweeping safety upgrades and stricter monitoring.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we join in mourning for all affected by this heartbreaking loss. It is unconscionable that vulnerable travellers—especially pilgrims and children-continue to bear the brunt of preventable tragedies. We call for principled urgency: policymakers, citizens, and law enforcement must unite to prioritise safe and accessible infrastructure for everyone.
Every journey-particularly those motivated by faith, family, and community-deserves dignity, protection, and compassion. As we reflect on this calamity, let us foster empathy and constructive dialogue, encouraging a culture of attentive driving, responsible road design, and mutual support.
