A busy road in Jaipur’s Harmada area turned into a horrific scene on Monday afternoon when a speeding dumper truck ploughed through at least 17 vehicles, killing 13 people and injuring 10 others.
The tragedy unfolded near Loha Mandi when the truck, allegedly driven by an intoxicated driver, sped down a 300-metre stretch, crushing cars, motorbikes, and pedestrians before ramming into a trailer. Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as “a massacre,” with bodies strewn across the highway and mangled vehicles piled up.
Local shopkeeper Mahesh Sharma said, “People were pulling out one body after another from the wrecked cars. Some were trapped, others lay lifeless on the road. It was chaos, screams, and blood everywhere.”
Jaipur District Collector Jitendra Soni confirmed that 13 people lost their lives, while 10 others are being treated at the trauma centre of SMS Hospital. Several victims remain in critical condition.
According to officials, the dumper came from Road No. 14 towards the Loha Mandi petrol pump and rammed into everything in its path. CCTV footage captured the truck moving at over 100 kmph, crushing vehicles and motorcyclists.
Additional Police Commissioner Rajiv Pachar said the driver was arrested after locals chased him down. “Preliminary evidence suggests reckless driving. We will confirm intoxication after his medical examination,” he said.
Among the victims were members of a family from Agra who were returning from Khatushyamji after offering prayers. “Our car was parked when the dumper hit it from behind. Five of us were injured,” said survivor Nanji Bhai.
Another victim, Mahendra (38), a weaver from Jaipur, died along with his niece Bhanu (5). His elder niece Varsha (19) is in critical condition. They were returning to Sikar after Diwali celebrations when the accident occurred.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the loss of lives, calling the incident “heart-wrenching.” He directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.
The horrific crash sparked protests in the area, with residents demanding stricter enforcement of road safety and speed control measures.
This is the second major accident in Rajasthan in just two days. On Sunday evening, 15 people, including 10 women and four children, were killed in Phalodi when a tempo traveller rammed into a stationary trailer truck.
