Major accident in Rajasthan after collision between tourist bus and truck; initial reports put death toll at 15

Fifteen people were killed and two were seriously dead on Sunday after a tourist bus collided with a stationary trailer in Rajasthan's Phalodi.

The incident occurred near Matoda village on the Bharat Mala Highway, they said.

"Fifteen passengers died, while two others sustained serious injuries. The injured were first taken to a hospital in Osian for primary treatment and later referred to Jodhpur," Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash said.


According to police, the victims were residents of the Sursagar area in Jodhpur and were returning from the Kolayat temple in Bikaner after offering prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram.

All the bodies have been kept in the mortuary of the Osian government hospital.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the incident and instructed officials to ensure all possible assistance to the victims' families and proper medical care for the injured.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot also mourned the loss of lives.

In a post on X, he said, "I have just received the news that 15 people have died in a road accident in Matoda, Phalodi. Hearing this, my heart is extremely saddened. I pray to God to grant a place at His holy feet to all the deceased, give strength to their families, and a speedy recovery to the injured."

The accident comes after commuters were hit as private sleeper buses across Rajasthan remained off the roads on Saturday as operators launched an indefinite strike to protest the transport department’s recent crackdown following the Jaisalmer bus fire tragedy, officials said.

After 21 people were burnt alive when a private bus went up in flames near Jaisalmer on October 14, the Rajasthan transport department launched a statewide crackdown on bus body manufacturers to check violations of safety and assembly standards.

According to some private operators, the suspension of bus services affected thousands of passengers across Rajasthan ahead of the wedding season, leaving many stranded at bus stands and on the highways.