Van collides with truck while returning from Khatu; 10 people, including 7 kids, killed

A devastating road accident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday near Bapi in the Rajganj block of Jalpaiguri, claiming the lives of ten devotees. The incident took place around 3:30 am when a passenger pickup vehicle carrying a group of worshippers collided with a trailer truck. The devotees were returning home after visiting the revered Khatushyamji temple.

Most of the victims hailed from the Etawah district in Uttar Pradesh, a fact confirmed by officials at the scene. The tragic event has sent a wave of shock and grief through the community, as the hopes of a safe return from a religious pilgrimage were shattered by a sudden and violent crash.

According to Dausa District Collector Devendra Kumar Yadav, initial reports indicated that ten people died in the accident, with one of the victims succumbing to their injuries after being referred for treatment. The collision between the pickup vehicle and the trailer truck was severe, leaving many passengers with critical injuries.

Emergency services were mobilized immediately, with ambulances, police teams, and medical staff rushing to the site to provide urgent assistance. The injured were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for medical care. Those with critical injuries were referred to the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur for advanced treatment, while others are receiving care at the Dausa District Hospital.