Dausa, Aug.13,2025: In the early hours between 3:30 and 5:00 AM on August 13, 2025, a pickup van carrying a group of pilgrims collided with a stationary container/trailer truck on the Dausa–Manoharpur highway
Rajasthan Dausa tragedy struck pre-dawn on Wednesday, when a pickup van packed with pilgrims rammed into a parked trailer truck, claiming 11 lives—including seven children—and injuring several others in a devastating incident that has shaken communities across state lines.
What Happened: A Harrowing Overview
In the early hours between 3:30 and 5:00 AM on August 13, 2025, a pickup van carrying a group of pilgrims collided with a stationary container/trailer truck on the Dausa–Manoharpur highway, near Bapi village. The impact resulted in the immediate deaths of 10 passengers—seven children and three women—while another succumbed to injuries at SMS Hospital in Jaipur. In total, 11 lives were lost.
Who Were the Victims
Most of the victims were devotees from Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district, returning from pilgrimage to Khatu Shyam and Salasar Balaji temples. Among the deceased were children as young as six or seven.
Timeline & Immediate Rescue Response
- 03:30–05:00 AM: Crash occurs as the pickup van strikes a parked trailer on the service lane of the highway.
- On-site response: Police and rescue teams promptly arrived, with several injured transported to Dausa District Hospital, and nine cases referred to SMS Hospital, Jaipur for advanced care.
- Casualties: While ten died at the scene, one woman later passed away at the hospital.
Government Reaction & Relief Efforts
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep grief via X, calling the incident “extremely tragic.” He directed district authorities to ensure swift medical treatment for the injured.
Former CM Ashok Gehlot and others also conveyed condolences, emphasizing the urgency of relief support.
Possible Causes & Ongoing Investigation
Preliminary reports suggest driver fatigue might have been a contributing factor, though a full investigation is underway. Traffic police are probing whether speed, poor lighting, or mechanical failure played roles. Passenger eyewitnesses recounted that the van was overcrowded and noted sudden impact.
Impact on Etah Community in UP
The Rajasthan Dausa tragedy has left the Uttar Pradesh Etah community engulfed in grief. Villages are mourning, with all victims originating from Asroli/Etah district. Local administration is coordinating with Rajasthan authorities to manage repatriation of bodies and support families.
Road Safety in India: A Broader Perspective
Sadly, fatal road accidents remain a recurring crisis in India. Overcrowded vehicles, driver exhaustion, inadequate enforcement on highways, and unsafe roadside parking compound the risks—especially in remote zones. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for stricter safety protocols and public awareness. Links to discuss national road safety stats and protocols can provide broader context: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and NCRB road accident data.
The Rajasthan Dausa tragedy is a sobering reminder of how swiftly moments of devotion can turn catastrophic. Eleven lives—many of them children—lost in a blink. This calls for renewed vigilance on road safety, especially concerning pilgrim travel. May such profound loss inspire stronger safety measures and compassionate policy.
