Kota, October 17, 2026: At least eight people were killed and several others injured after a minibus overturned and plunged into a roadside ditch on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan’s Kota district early Saturday morning. The vehicle was reportedly carrying passengers from Madhya Pradesh to the Khatu Shyam Ji temple when the accident occurred near the Simliya police station area.
Accident Occurred Around 6 AM
The crash reportedly took place at around 6 am near pole number 384 of the expressway. According to initial reports, the minibus lost control, left the carriageway and fell into a ditch beside the road.
Several passengers were trapped or injured in the impact, prompting an emergency response from police and local authorities.
Eight Passengers Confirmed Dead
Authorities confirmed that eight people died in the accident. Initial reports indicated that five of the deceased were women.
The identities of the victims were reported as Aruna, Vaishnavi, Trisha, Krishna, Anita, Om, Suryavanshi and Raju. Formal identification and coordination with the families were among the steps expected to follow.
Passengers Were Travelling to Khatu Shyam Ji Temple
The minibus was reportedly carrying a group travelling from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh to the Khatu Shyam Ji temple in Rajasthan.
Early reports differed on the total number of passengers on board, with estimates ranging from around 17 to more than 20. The exact passenger count had not been consistently established in the initial reporting.
Injured Shifted to Hospitals in Kota
The injured passengers were taken to MBS Hospital and New Medical College Hospital in Kota for treatment.
District administration officials and senior police officers reached the hospitals to oversee the response and monitor the condition of those injured. Medical teams began treating the passengers, with those suffering more serious injuries receiving further care.
Senior Officials Reach Hospitals
Kota District Collector Peeyush Samariya and Inspector General Harendra Mahawar were among the senior officials who reportedly visited the hospital following the crash.
Officials coordinated with medical teams as treatment continued and the administration assessed the situation.
Driver Fatigue Among Possible Causes
One initial report suggested that the driver may have dozed off, causing the minibus to leave the expressway. However, the precise cause of the accident had not been officially established in the initial reports.
Police are expected to examine possible factors, including driver fatigue, speed, road conditions and the vehicle’s mechanical condition. Any conclusion will depend on the findings of the investigation.
Minibus Reportedly Fell Around 15 Feet
According to media reports, the minibus plunged approximately 15 feet into a roadside ditch after leaving the expressway.
The impact reportedly caused significant damage to the vehicle and complicated efforts to rescue passengers. Police and emergency responders worked to remove the injured and transport them to nearby hospitals.
Rescue and Emergency Response
Police personnel, emergency teams and local authorities rushed to the scene after receiving information about the accident.
Rescuers removed passengers from the damaged minibus and arranged transport for the injured. Authorities also began gathering information about the vehicle, the passengers and the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Investigation Underway
The police investigation is expected to consider evidence from the accident site, statements from survivors and witnesses, and the condition of the vehicle.
Investigators may also examine whether driver fatigue, excessive speed or other factors contributed to the minibus leaving the expressway. The final cause will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
Road Safety on Expressways in Focus
The fatal crash has renewed attention on road safety during long-distance travel on high-speed expressways. Driver alertness, adequate rest breaks, appropriate speed and vehicle maintenance are important factors in reducing the risk of serious accidents.
Authorities Monitor Injured Passengers
Officials are continuing to monitor the condition of those admitted to hospitals. The reported death toll stood at eight in the initial coverage, while further details about the injured passengers and the investigation were awaited.
Source – NDTV, The New Indian Express, The Week, The Indian Express
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