At least six people were killed and eight others injured after a speeding private bus rear-ended a passenger van on a highway in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district on Wednesday, 29 April, police said. Preliminary findings point to excessive speed as the primary cause of the collision, according to officials.

How the Accident Unfolded

The crash occurred near Jasvantgadh Patiya, close to Himmatnagar, on the highway connecting Shamlaji and Ahmedabad. According to police, the van was travelling from Shamlaji towards Himmatnagar when the private bus struck it from behind at high speed.

The impact was severe enough to leave the van extensively damaged, trapping several occupants inside. Emergency responders and police teams reached the site shortly after the incident was reported, and efforts were undertaken to extricate victims from the wreckage.

Casualties and Condition of the Injured

Gambhoi Police Station Inspector Alpesh Chaudhary confirmed that six occupants of the van died at the scene. "Six passengers in the van lost their lives on the spot, while four others sustained injuries," he said. The remaining injured were immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where their condition was described as serious.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released. Authorities said post-mortem procedures are being conducted in accordance with standard protocol.

Investigation Under Way

A case has been registered, and investigators are working to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the crash, including the role of the bus driver. "The accident appears to have been caused by the excessive speed of the bus. We have taken cognisance of the matter and initiated an investigation," Inspector Chaudhary said.

Officials said witness statements are being recorded and physical evidence from the crash site is being examined. The collision also caused a temporary disruption of traffic on the highway as rescue operations were carried out.

Pattern of Highway Accidents in the Region

This incident adds to a series of recent road accidents reported on highways in the region. Police reiterated the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations, particularly with regard to speed limits on intercity routes. Notably, the Shamlaji–Ahmedabad highway corridor has seen multiple road safety concerns flagged by local authorities in recent months.

Authorities are expected to file a detailed incident report once the investigation concludes and the identities of all victims are formally confirmed.