A tractor-trolley carrying pilgrims bound for Ramdevra overturned late Monday night in Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, turning a journey of faith into a scene of chaos and injury. The pilgrims, travelling from Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh to visit the shrine of Baba Ramdev, were left shaken as the vehicle flipped without warning on the road. Initial reports put the number of injured at around 15 to 20.
Trolley flipped near Tolesar Phanta in Balesar
The accident occurred near Tolesar Phanta, close to Agolai village in Jodhpur's Balesar area. The group of pilgrims, who had set out from Rajgarh, were riding in a tractor-trolley on their way to Ramdevra for darshan of Baba Ramdev. As the trolley approached Tolesar Phanta late on Monday night, it suddenly went out of control and overturned on the road. Pilgrims riding in the trolley were thrown and fell on top of one another, and cries rang out at the spot as panic spread within minutes. The exact cause of the accident has not yet been established, and police are examining the case closely to determine what made the trolley lose control.
Police and locals lead the rescue effort
As soon as word of the accident reached them, a team from Balesar police station rushed to the site. Local residents also stepped in without delay, helping police pull injured pilgrims out from under the overturned trolley. Police arranged for all the injured to be rushed to the nearest local hospital. After first aid, those found to be more seriously hurt were referred to Mathuradas Mathur Hospital in Jodhpur city for advanced treatment.
Union minister Shekhawat reaches hospital at 1 am
News of the accident prompted Union Minister for Culture and Tourism and Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to act swiftly. He reached Mathuradas Mathur Hospital around 1 am and met the injured pilgrims admitted there, asking after their wellbeing. Shekhawat spoke with the injured about their condition and sought detailed information from doctors on the treatment being given. He also took feedback from the hospital superintendent on the health of the injured. During his visit, he instructed the medical staff to ensure there was no shortfall in treatment and that every necessary medical facility was made available to the injured without delay. Hospital administration briefed the minister on the current condition of the patients and the treatment underway.
No deaths reported so far
The one relief in the entire episode is that no deaths have been reported among the pilgrims so far. Treatment for all the injured continues at the hospitals, with their condition being closely monitored. Police are still working to determine exactly why the tractor-trolley suddenly went out of control and overturned. Police and administration teams continue to keep watch over the treatment and relief arrangements for those admitted to hospital.
