NEW DELHI, Nov 3: At least 19 people were killed and dozens seriously injured after a dumper truck driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, went on a five-kilometre rampage in Jaipur, the state capital city of Rajasthan, officials said on Monday.
The speeding truck lost control on Lohamandi Road, crashing into several vehicles, including cars and motorcycles coming from the opposite direction.
Eyewitnesses said the driver appeared heavily intoxicated and continued driving despite multiple collisions, crushing everything in his path. The rampage ended only after the truck came to a halt following a major crash that left several vehicles mangled. Rescue teams and local police rushed to the spot and pulled out those trapped under the wreckage.
Officials said the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals, and efforts are on to identify those killed in the accident. Police have detained the driver and are conducting medical tests to confirm alcohol consumption.
The incident came a day after a tempo traveller carrying devotees rammed into a stationary trailer truck in Rajasthan’s Phalodi, killing at least 15 people and injuring two. According to police, the victims were residents of the Sursagar area in Jodhpur and were returning from the Kolayat temple in Bikaner after offering prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the accident and announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and the injured. “Pained by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jaipur, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon,” the PM’s office said. The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each victim and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
(Manas Dasgupta)