Kota Expressway Accident: 8 Killed, 17 Injured as Tempo Traveller Falls Into Drain

October 17, 2026

Kota: Eight people were killed and 17 injured after a Tempo Traveller carrying a group from Madhya Pradesh fell off a culvert on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan’s Kota district early Saturday. The passengers were travelling to the Khatu Shyam temple when the accident took place.

The crash occurred around 6 am near the Karadiya toll plaza, about 35 km from Kota city, within the limits of Simliya police station. The vehicle reportedly plunged around 15 feet from the expressway.

According to police, the group had left Bhopal at around 7 pm on Friday for a four-day trip to Rajasthan. All the passengers were from Madhya Pradesh, with initial reports identifying them as residents of Betul. Police were still gathering details about their family relationships.

Villagers Break Windows to Rescue Passengers

The impact left the front portion of the vehicle badly damaged. Several passengers were trapped between the seats, making it difficult for rescuers to pull them out. Local residents helped with the rescue operation, breaking the vehicle’s windows to reach those inside.

The operation was also hampered by darkness in the early morning. According to rescue personnel, some of the bodies were trapped between the seats and had to be removed with difficulty.

Seven people died at the scene, while an eighth passenger died during treatment at the hospital, according to the principal of Kota’s New Medical College. The deceased included the driver.

17 Injured, Several With Head Injuries

Seventeen injured passengers were taken to hospital. Doctors said several arrived unconscious and were given CPR, while some required oxygen support.

Most of the injured had suffered head injuries and fractures to their arms and legs. Some passengers were hurt after becoming trapped between the seats during the crash.

District Collector Peeyush Samariya confirmed that eight people had died. Critically injured patients were shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for treatment.

Police Suspect Driver May Have Dozed Off

Police suspect the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the accident. The cause has not yet been conclusively established, and further investigation is underway.

The crash briefly disrupted traffic on the expressway as police, rescue teams and local residents worked at the scene.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed condolences over the deaths.