Jaipur: Five pilgrims were killed and three others sustained serious injuries after their SUV collided with an unidentified heavy vehicle on the Jodhpur National Highway in Rajasthan’s Balotra district, police said on Monday.
The accident took place late Sunday night near Bhandiyawas-Kudi when the group was returning after offering prayers at the Padasla Bhomiaji temple in Osian.
According to police, eight people from Kanod village in the Baytu area were travelling in the SUV when the collision occurred around midnight.
SUV Badly Damaged, Rescue Operation Launched
#WATCH | Balotra, Rajasthan | Three dead and five injured after a high-speed Scorpio vehicle collided with a dumper truck on the intervening night of 12th and 13th July.
Visuals from outside the district hospital. pic.twitter.com/CCerLc0Smf
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) July 13, 2026
The impact of the collision was so severe that the SUV was completely damaged. Two young men trapped inside the vehicle died on the spot and were pulled out after a long rescue operation.
Local residents who reached the accident site informed police and helped rescue teams in removing the trapped passengers from the mangled vehicle.
The injured were initially taken to Nahata District Hospital in Balotra. One victim died during treatment, while five critically injured people were shifted to Jodhpur for further medical care. Two more injured victims later succumbed, taking the death toll to five.
Five Identified, Three Injured Under Treatment
The deceased have been identified as:
- Kishan, son of Sheraram, resident of Kanod
- Bhavesh, son of Kalaram, resident of Kanod
- Revant Marudhar
- Swaroop Godara
- Bharat Godara
The three survivors remain admitted in Jodhpur hospitals and their condition is reported to be critical.
The bodies of the deceased have been kept at the mortuary of Nahata District Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Police Search for Unidentified Vehicle
Police have launched an investigation to trace the unidentified heavy vehicle involved in the collision. Officials are examining the circumstances leading to the accident and collecting evidence from the spot.
Further action will be taken after completion of the post-mortem procedures and other formalities, police said.