Jaipur Tragedy Sees 14 Killed in Dumper Truck's Five-Kilometre Rampage
Rajasthan is grappling with significant loss of life following two major road disasters in consecutive days. A horrific rampage in Jaipur on Monday resulted in at least 14 fatalities and left approximately 50 other individuals seriously injured. The chaos was reportedly caused by the driver of a dumper truck, who is suspected of being intoxicated.
The devastating event began on Lohamandi Road, a busy thoroughfare in the state capital. Officials report that the driver lost control of the heavy vehicle, which was moving at high speed. The truck then proceeded to ram into a series of other vehicles, including passenger cars and motorcycles, that were coming from the opposite direction.
Witnesses at the scene described a terrifying sequence of events. They stated the driver appeared intoxicated and did not stop after the initial collisions. Instead, he continued for an estimated five kilometers, dragging mangled vehicles and crushing anything that came into the truck's path. The destructive journey only concluded after a final, major crash brought the dumper to a halt, leaving a scene of widespread wreckage.
Local police and emergency rescue teams were rushed to the location immediately. First responders faced a difficult task, working to pull survivors from the crushed vehicles and twisted metal. The dozens of injured individuals were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Authorities have stated that the process of formally identifying those who perished in the incident is now underway.
Police have confirmed that the driver of the truck was detained at the scene. He is currently in custody and is undergoing medical examinations to determine his blood alcohol content and confirm the suspicions of intoxication. In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed his profound anguish. He has directed state officials to ensure that the families of the victims receive all possible assistance and that the injured are given comprehensive medical care.
This incident has shaken the region, particularly as it follows just one day after another fatal accident in Rajasthan. On Sunday, a tempo traveller carrying devotees collided with a stationary trailer truck in the Phalodi district. That collision resulted in the deaths of 15 people who were returning from a pilgrimage, highlighting a deeply concerning weekend for road safety in the state.
