Five pilgrims were killed and three others left in critical condition after their SUV collided with an unidentified heavy vehicle on the Jodhpur National Highway in Rajasthan's Balotra district late on Sunday night, police confirmed on Monday, 13 July. The group had been returning from the Padasla Bhomiaji temple in Osian when the crash occurred near Bhandiyawas-Kudi around midnight.

How the Accident Unfolded

According to police, eight people from Kanod village in the Baytu area were travelling together in the SUV, heading from Jodhpur towards Balotra after offering prayers at the temple. The collision with the unidentified heavy vehicle was severe enough to badly mangle the SUV, trapping several occupants inside.

Local residents who heard the impact rushed to the site and alerted authorities. Rescue teams and villagers worked together to extricate the trapped passengers before shifting the injured to hospital.

Death Toll and Injuries

Two young men were pulled out of the wreckage at the scene and were found dead. A third victim succumbed during treatment at Nahata District Hospital in Balotra. The remaining five injured were referred to Jodhpur due to the severity of their condition, where two more victims died during treatment — bringing the total death toll to five.

The deceased have been identified as Kishan, son of Sheraram, resident of Kanod; Bhavesh, son of Kalaram, resident of Kanod; Revant Marudhar; Swaroop Godara; and Bharat Godara. The three surviving victims remain under treatment in Jodhpur, and their condition is reported to be critical.

Investigation Under Way

Police have launched a search for the unidentified heavy vehicle involved in the collision. The exact cause of the accident is under investigation, and authorities said further action will be taken after post-mortem reports and identification procedures are completed. The bodies of the deceased have been placed in the mortuary of Nahata District Hospital for post-mortem examination.

A Recurring Concern on Rajasthan Highways

Notably, the Jodhpur–Balotra stretch of the national highway has seen multiple fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles in recent years, raising persistent concerns about night-time freight movement and road safety enforcement. Pilgrim convoys, often travelling late at night after temple visits, are particularly vulnerable on these stretches. This incident adds to growing pressure on authorities to step up patrolling and enforce speed regulations for heavy vehicles on the corridor.