A private bus crashed into a concrete culvert in India’s Rajasthan state on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, killing 13 passengers and injuring more than 35 others in the Sikar district, the home to several cultural and religious landmarks.
The bus, traveling from Salasar to Nawalgarh, lost control and collided with the culvert near Laxmangarh at approximately 50 mph. According to investigators, the impact was so severe that the vehicle was split in half.
Two passengers died during the initial impact, while three others died from their injuries during surgery. Currently, 23 people are receiving treatment for serious injuries at local medical facilities, with some cases being referred to hospitals in Jaipur for specialized care.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of life in the bus accident in Sikar’s Laxmangarh area, calling it extremely sad and heartbreaking. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stated that officials have been instructed to ensure the injured receive proper treatment, posting his message on X.
Witnesses reported that the bus failed to navigate a turn on the bridge before the crash. Residents and bystanders assisted in the immediate rescue efforts before emergency services arrived.
The Indian government has announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. The families of the deceased will receive $2,378, while those injured will receive $595.
The accident is part of a troubling pattern of bus crashes in India this year, highlighting critical safety issues on the country’s roads.
In August, another tragedy occurred across the border in Nepal’s mountainous Tanahun district, where a bus carrying 41 people, including 24 Indian tourists, skidded off a narrow road into a swollen river, killing 27.
These incidents underline frequent concerns over inadequate safety regulations and the challenging conditions in hilly regions, where steep, winding roads are often unforgiving for overloaded or speeding vehicles.
