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New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep grief over the tragic road accident in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district that claimed 18 lives and injured several others, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and announced financial assistance for the victims.
In a post on Twitter, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said: “Saddened by the loss of lives due to an accident in Phalodi district of Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Next of kin of each deceased will be given an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF. Rs 50,000 will be given to the injured: PM @NarendraModi.”
The Prime Minister’s condolences came after a horrific accident on Sunday near Matora area of Phalodi subdivision, about 160 km from Jodhpur city, where a tempo traveler bus carrying devotees collided with a stationary trailer truck.
According to police, at least 18 people lost their lives in the accident, while many others were seriously injured. It is being told that the victims were returning from Kolayat in Bikaner after attending a religious program when this accident happened.
The collision was so strong that the front part of the tempo traveler was completely damaged, leaving many passengers trapped inside. Rescue teams and local police reached the spot and with the help of local people pulled out the injured and shifted them to nearby hospitals.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has also expressed grief over the deaths and directed officials to ensure prompt medical aid to the injured.
Chief Minister Sharma wrote on Twitter, “The death of people in a road accident in Matora area of Phalodi is extremely sad and heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the bereaved families. District administration officials have been directed to ensure proper treatment of all the injured. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured.”
Police have registered the case and are investigating the cause of the accident.
Both the vehicles involved in the accident will be mechanically examined to find out the exact cause of the accident and reasons such as brake failure or driver fatigue will also be investigated, sources said citing officials.
It is also suspected that the collision may have occurred due to poor visibility and high speed of the tempo traveller.
–IANS
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