At least 15 pilgrims lost their lives and several others were injured in a tragic road accident when a tempo traveller carrying devotees rammed into a stationary trailer truck near Matoda village on the Bharat Mala Highway in Rajasthan’s Phalodi district on the night of November 2, 2025.
The victims, mostly from Jodhpur’s Sursagar area, were returning from a religious pilgrimage to the Kolayat temple in Bikaner. Police and emergency services responded immediately to the crash site and launched rescue operations.
The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma, along with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, expressed grief over the tragedy and assured support to the affected families.
The Accident and Immediate Response
The collision occurred in the late hours when the tempo traveller, reportedly trying to overtake another vehicle, failed to spot the trailer truck parked at the roadside near a local eatery in Matoda village. Poor visibility during nighttime and the speed at which the tempo was travelling were factors under investigation. The impact was severe enough to cause mangling of the tempo traveller and severe injuries to many passengers, with bodies trapped inside the vehicle.
Rescue teams, including police personnel led by Superintendent of Police Kundan Kanwaria and Police Commissioner Om Prakash Paswan, worked through the night to free passengers and provide medical assistance. Two critically injured women were initially treated at Osian hospital before being transferred to Jodhpur for advanced care, as per officials.
Background and Safety Concerns on Bharat Mala Highway
This tragic incident highlights persistent safety challenges on heavily used highways like the Bharat Mala, which sees heavy passenger and freight traffic daily.
Local residents and travellers have long voiced concerns regarding the risks involved with vehicles parked along the roadside and inadequate signage or lighting during nighttime hours. Pilgrims frequently travel overnight, increasing vulnerability on these roads, especially when combined with speeding and poor weather or light conditions.
Authorities have been working to improve road management, but incidents like this underline the urgent need for stricter enforcement of road safety norms and better infrastructure for safe parking and rest stops.
Official Statements and Government Assurances
In the aftermath of the accident, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed his deep sorrow and grief for the deceased and their families. He directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment and rehabilitation for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the loss of lives and assured ex-gratia payments of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. The President of India extended condolences through social media platforms, emphasizing solidarity with the bereaved families.
Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact causes of the crash, with a focus on whether driver negligence, road conditions, or vehicle standards contributed to the accident.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heartbreaking incident is a powerful reminder of how fragile life can be and the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to road safety in India. The Logical Indian advocates for stringent safety regulations, including effective speed control, prohibition of illegal roadside parking, enhanced lighting, and clear signage, particularly on highways frequently used by pilgrims and commercial vehicles.
Moreover, awareness campaigns aimed at educating drivers and passengers alike on safe travel practices could reduce risks. Emergency preparedness and quick medical response further save lives when accidents occur. Most importantly, fostering a culture of empathy and responsibility among all road users remains crucial.
#BREAKING
— Mohammed Faizan Shaikh (@king7851007) November 2, 2025
🚨 Tragic accident in Rajasthan
At least 15 devotees dead, 2 injured after a tempo traveller rammed into a stationary truck in Phalodi, Jodhpur.
The bus was returning from Bikaner when it crashed in Bapini village.
Police: “A green corridor is being created to rush… pic.twitter.com/q9kxMKEITJ
मुख्यमंत्री श्री भजनलाल शर्मा ने फलोदी जिले के मतोड़ा में, सड़क दुर्घटना में हुई जनहानि पर गहरा शोक व्यक्त किया। मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि यह हादसा अत्यंत दुखद एवं हृदय विदारक है। दु:ख की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं शोकाकुल परिजनों के साथ हैं। मुख्यमंत्री ने हादसे में दिवंगत आत्माओं… pic.twitter.com/sJQiRrINSE
— CMO Rajasthan (@RajCMO) November 3, 2025
