New Delhi, Nov 9 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is set to review on Monday (November 10) the suo motu case related to the devastating Phalodi road accident that took place in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of at least 18 pilgrims, including four children and 10 women, when a tempo traveller collided with a parked trailer truck near Matoda village last week.

According to the causelist published on the apex court's website, a Bench that includes Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi will deliberate on the issue titled 'In Re: Phalodi Accident'.

The accident transpired as a group of pilgrims from the Sursagar area in Jodhpur was returning from Kolayat in Bikaner.

The force of the impact was so tremendous that the front end of the tempo traveller was entirely crushed, which left rescue teams working tirelessly for hours to free the trapped individuals.

Police reports confirm that at least 18 lives have been lost, with many more suffering serious injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as “deeply saddening” and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased, along with Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

Rajasthan’s Chief Minister, Bhajan Lal Sharma, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and instructed officials to provide immediate medical assistance to those injured. The state government has declared Rs 10 lakh compensation for each affected family, while families that lost three or more members will receive Rs 25 lakh.

The seriously injured will be compensated with Rs 2 lakh, and those with minor injuries will receive Rs 1 lakh, as stated by the Chief Minister's Office.

This tragic event has reignited concerns regarding road safety along the Bharatmala Expressway. Local residents point to insufficient lighting, the absence of proper signage, and the illegal parking of heavy vehicles, all of which pose significant risks during nighttime travel. They claim that truck drivers frequently park along the expressway to rest, leading to a rise in deadly accidents.