Udaipur: Three passengers were killed and 14 others injured in a major road accident on National Highway-48 in the Kheroda police station area on Wednesday. The accident took place near the Menar Dak Bungalow when a private bus carrying around 35 passengers collided with a trailer while attempting to overtake it.
The collision was so severe that the entire front portion of the bus, including the cabin roof, was badly damaged. The accident triggered panic at the spot and caused a traffic jam on the highway for around an hour.
According to the information, the Mateshwari Tour and Travels bus, operating between Neemuch and Udaipur, was travelling towards Udaipur with passengers from Mangalwad.
At around 4 pm, near the Menar Dak Bungalow, the bus driver reportedly changed lanes at high speed and attempted to overtake the trailer travelling ahead. During the manoeuvre, the bus collided with the trailer.
The front portion of the bus was severely damaged in the collision. The cabin roof was completely separated, while the seats and windows were also damaged.
Soon after receiving information about the accident, Kheroda police and the highway patrolling team reached the spot. Local residents helped the police rescue passengers who were trapped inside the bus and those who were injured. The injured were taken to hospitals in ambulances and private vehicles.
One youth died on the spot, while two other injured passengers died during treatment at the hospital. Three injured passengers are reportedly in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at MB Hospital.
Kheroda Station House Officer Parmeshwar Patidar said the deceased included Banshilal Tailor, a resident of Pahada, and Bhagwan Lal Dangi, a resident of Shobhagpura. The identity of the deceased woman is being ascertained.
The bus driver fled the spot immediately after the accident. According to SHO Parmeshwar Patidar, the bus was travelling at high speed and the driver was attempting to overtake the trailer after changing lanes on the highway.
The front portion of the bus, except for the area around the driver’s seat, was completely destroyed in the collision.
Traffic on the highway was affected after the damaged bus remained on the road. Police used a crane to remove the bus, following which traffic movement was restored. Police are searching for the absconding bus driver.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.