Sabarkantha news today: A devastating road accident in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district early Sunday morning claimed the lives of six devotees from Gujarat, including a three-year-old girl. The tragedy occurred around 5:30 AM on 16 November, when dense fog drastically reduced visibility on the Jodhpur–Jaisalmer National Highway (NH-125). The collision, involving a cargo tempo carrying pilgrims and a truck loaded with millet sacks, resulted in widespread shock across Aravalli and Sabarkantha districts.
Sabarkantha news today highlights the deep grief felt in the affected villages after the fatal crash.
How the Accident Occurred: Sabarkantha news today
According to Moolsingh Bhati, the in-charge of Balesar Police Station, the pilgrims were traveling in a cargo tempo heading toward Ranuja for darshan. Near Khari Beri village, close to Balesar, the tempo collided head-on with the truck due to extremely low visibility caused by thick fog. The impact was so severe that the front portion of the tempo was completely crushed, while the truck overturned on the highway.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with debris scattered across the road and passengers crying for help. Local drivers passing by alerted emergency services immediately, prompting a swift response from police and ambulance teams.
Victims: Six Devotees Lost Their Lives
The accident claimed the lives of six people belonging to Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts. The deceased include elderly devotees, a young driver, and three children.
List of the Deceased
- Keshabhai Kohyabhai Valand, 65, resident of Punsari, Talod, Sabarkantha
- Pritesh Bharatbhai Prajapati, 23, tempo driver, resident of Prajapati Vas, Punsari, Talod, Sabarkantha
- Logalbhai Kalusingh Parmar, 39, resident of Rughnathpura, Dhansura, Aravalli
- Navya Kalusingh Parmar, 3, Rughnathpura, Dhansura, Aravalli
- Jinal Pravinbhai Parmar, 12, Rughnathpura, Dhansura, Aravalli
- Krishna Parmar, 9, Rughnathpura, Dhansura, Aravalli
This heartbreaking list has deepened the sorrow in both districts, where villagers have been mourning since the news spread.
20 Pilgrims on Board; Several Children Among the Injured
The tempo was carrying nearly 20 devotees, including many women and children, all traveling from Sabarkantha and Aravalli to Rajasthan for the pilgrimage. While three passengers died on the spot, the remaining three succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
Around 12 people were injured, including seven children. They were first taken to a nearby hospital for primary treatment and later referred to MDM Hospital in Jodhpur, where they continue to receive medical care. Doctors say several patients remain in critical condition due to severe head and chest injuries.
Police Response and Rescue Operation
The rescue operation began within minutes after the incident was reported. Police teams from Balesar, Agolai, and the highway patrol rushed to the scene along with three ambulances. Emergency workers worked swiftly to shift the injured to the hospital and retrieve the bodies trapped inside the mangled tempo.
All deceased devotees have been kept at the mortuary of Balesar CHC. Police have filed an FIR and started a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision, including the role of fog and possible over-speeding.
Shock in Gujarat Villages
The tragedy has left Rughnathpura village in Dhansura taluka in deep mourning. Residents described the situation as emotionally overwhelming, with families struggling to accept the sudden loss of their loved ones. Community leaders, local MLAs, and district officials from Aravalli and Sabarkantha have been coordinating with Rajasthan authorities to ensure proper medical support and arrangements.
Sabarkantha news today reports that families of the victims have been continuously receiving updates from officials as they prepare for final rites back home.
Bodies Expected to Reach Gujarat by Tomorrow Morning
The Balesar Police Station contacted Narendrabhai Patel, the Sarpanch of Punsari village in Sabarkantha, to inform him about the accident and verify the identities of the deceased. Patel reached out to the families of the tempo driver and other victims and immediately arranged a team to leave from Punsari for Ramdevra.
Authorities expect that the bodies will be transported back to Gujarat by tomorrow morning, after post-mortem procedures and legal formalities are completed.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to examine the accident site, vehicle condition, and weather reports to determine whether poor visibility alone caused the collision or if driver negligence played a role. The overturned truck is also under inspection, and statements from survivors will be recorded once their condition stabilizes.
As the investigation unfolds, this tragic incident stands as a reminder of the dangers posed by winter fog on highways, particularly for early-morning travelers.
