New Delhi: At least four people were killed and two critically injured after a minibus carrying around 17 passengers veered off the road and plunged into a 15-foot-deep drain on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan early Saturday. Rescue operations were underway as emergency personnel worked to recover passengers from the damaged vehicle.
The accident occurred at around 6 am near pole number 384 on the expressway, within the jurisdiction of Simliya police station.
According to Simliya Station House Officer Nand Singh, four bodies had been recovered from the wreckage at the time of the update. Two passengers sustained critical injuries, while several others suffered minor injuries.
Authorities were continuing rescue efforts and verifying the identities of those involved. Officials also expressed concern that the death toll could rise as the operation progressed.
How Did The Minibus Accident Occur?
The minibus, carrying approximately 17 passengers, reportedly veered off the expressway before falling into a drain around 15 feet deep.
The incident took place early in the morning, with emergency services responding to the accident near pole number 384. The precise cause of the vehicle leaving the road had not been established in the information available at the time of reporting.
The crash left the vehicle damaged and passengers trapped inside, prompting an immediate rescue operation.
Rescue Operation Hampered By Water And Silt
Rescue personnel faced difficulties because water and accumulated silt inside the drain hampered efforts to reach and recover the passengers.
Cranes were deployed to retrieve the damaged minibus and assist in rescuing those trapped in the wreckage. Emergency teams continued working at the site as authorities attempted to establish the full extent of the casualties.
SHO Nand Singh said four bodies had been recovered so far. The identities of the deceased and injured passengers were yet to be confirmed.
Injured Passengers Rushed To Hospitals
The injured passengers were being taken to nearby medical facilities, including New Medical College Hospital and MBS Hospital.
According to the police officer, three ambulances had been deployed to transport the injured and support the emergency response. Two passengers were reported to be critically injured, while several others sustained minor injuries.
The condition of the injured passengers and further details about their identities were not immediately available.
Death Toll May Rise As Rescue Efforts Continue
Although four deaths had been confirmed in the initial update, authorities feared the toll could rise as rescue teams continued searching the vehicle and verifying the number of casualties.
The final number of people affected by the accident was yet to be established. Officials were also working to identify the deceased and injured passengers.
Further details about the cause of the crash and the circumstances leading to the minibus leaving the expressway were awaited as rescue operations continued.
