A deadly road accident on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Rajasthan’s Dausa claimed seven lives and left 22 others injured after a sleeper bus crashed into a trailer and burst into flames. The incident occurred in the early hours of the night while the bus was en route from Rishikesh to Indore in Madhya Pradesh.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash as rescue and firefighting operations continue.
Fatal Collision on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
The accident took place near Dausa at around 2:30 am last night.
According to officials, the sleeper bus was travelling from Rishikesh to Indore at high speed when it struck a trailer, a large truck, on the expressway. Following the collision, both vehicles caught fire, turning the incident into a major tragedy.
Television visuals from the scene showed the bus and trailer engulfed in massive flames while passengers called out for help.
Read also: 11-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls on School Bus in Mumbai, 5 Children Hospitalised
Seven People Lost Their Lives
Burn and Head Injuries Proved Fatal
Officials said seven passengers died in the accident.
Among the victims, five succumbed to burn injuries sustained in the fire, while two others died due to head injuries. Authorities also stated that passengers occupying the upper berths were thrown to the ground during the impact.
Eyewitnesses reported that many of those who lost their lives were asleep when the crash occurred.
Read also: Mumbai Rain Chaos Wall Collapse, Fallen Trees and Train Disruptions
Rescue Operations and Medical Response
Firefighting personnel were deployed to extinguish the blaze and assist in rescue efforts.
All 22 injured passengers have been admitted to the Dausa district hospital for treatment. Officials said the injured largely comprise women and children.
Emergency teams continued operations at the site to ensure that all affected passengers received assistance.
Investigation Into the Cause Underway
Driver Fatigue and Speed Among Factors Being Examined
Police have not yet determined the exact cause of the accident.
However, investigators suspect that the bus driver may have fallen asleep while driving. The vehicle’s high speed is also being examined as a possible contributing factor.
Locals Raise Concerns Over Rescue Response
Residents of the area alleged that fire brigade and rescue personnel reached the location late, resulting in additional casualties.
According to locals, passengers trapped inside the burning bus were rescued nearly an hour after the fire broke out.
Claims Regarding Bus Storage Compartment
Locals also claimed that the bus’s storage compartment contained cigarette packets, which they alleged helped the fire spread rapidly after the collision.
Officials said the local administration is investigating the cause of the accident and working to identify the injured passengers.
Conclusion
The devastating crash involving a sleeper bus and a trailer on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Dausa resulted in seven deaths and injuries to 22 others. As authorities continue examining the factors behind the accident, including possible driver fatigue and speed, investigations are also underway into local claims regarding the rescue response and the rapid spread of the fire.
