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Phalodi Road Tragedy: Supreme Court Takes Action After 18 Pilgrims Killed

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the tragic Phalodi road accident that claimed 18 lives. A group of pilgrims from Jodhpur's Sursagar area were returning from Kolayat when their vehicle crashed into a stationary trailer. The impact was so severe that rescue teams struggled for hours to extricate trapped passengers. This tragedy has raised serious concerns about road safety on the Bharatmala Expressway due to inadequate lighting and illegal parking.

Key Points: Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Phalodi Accident

  • Supreme Court bench to hear Phalodi accident case on November 10
  • Pilgrims returning from Kolayat when vehicle hit parked trailer
  • PM Modi announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for victims' families
  • Locals raise concerns about inadequate lighting and illegal parking on expressway
2 min read

SC takes suo moto cognisance of Rajasthan's Phalodi road accident

Supreme Court to hear Phalodi road accident case after 18 pilgrims died when their vehicle crashed into parked trailer. PM Modi announces compensation amid road safety concerns.

"The impact was so severe that the front portion of the tempo traveller was completely crushed - Police Report"

New Delhi, Nov 8

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the tragic Phalodi accident in Rajasthan's Jodhpur district in which at least 15 pilgrims, including four children and 10 women, were killed after a tempo traveller crashed into a stationary trailer truck near Matoda village late last week.

As per the causelist published in the website of the apex court, a bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi will hear the matter titled "In Re: Phalodi Accident" on November 10.

A group of pilgrims from Jodhpur's Sursagar area were returning from Kolayat in Bikaner when their vehicle rammed into a trailer parked by the roadside.

The impact was so severe that the front portion of the tempo traveller was completely crushed, leaving rescue teams struggling for hours to extricate the trapped passengers.

According to the police, at least 18 deaths have been confirmed so far, with several others sustaining grievous injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had termed the accident "deeply saddening", announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed grief and directed officials to ensure swift medical assistance, calling the loss of lives "heart-rending".

State Minister-In-charge, Madan Dilawar, announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for each bereaved family, with Rs 25 lakh earmarked for those who lost three or more members.

The seriously injured will receive Rs 2 lakh, and those with minor injuries Rs 1 lakh, the Chief Minister's Office said.

The tragedy has once again raised concerns over road safety on the Bharatmala Expressway.

Locals allege inadequate lighting, lack of signage, and illegal parking of heavy vehicles make night travel perilous.

Residents claim truck drivers often park along the expressway to rest, leading to frequent fatal crashes.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
I travel regularly on the Bharatmala Expressway and can confirm the parking situation is terrible. No proper lighting, no warning signs - it's a death trap after sunset. Compensation is good but we need permanent solutions.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the compensation announcements, I wish our governments were equally proactive in preventing such accidents. We build world-class highways but forget basic safety measures. This is negligence, plain and simple.
S
Sarah B
Four children gone... this is unbearable. As someone who has driven on Indian highways at night, the lack of proper rest stops forces truck drivers to park dangerously. We need better infrastructure, not just punishment.
V
Vikram M
The compensation difference between state and central government is confusing. Shouldn't there be uniform compensation for such tragedies? Anyway, money can never replace lost lives. We need accountability.
K
Kavya N
My cousin lives near Matoda village and they've been complaining about this issue for years. Authorities only wake up after such tragedies. Hope the Supreme Court's hearing brings some real change. 🙏

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