Dense Fog Triggers Catastrophic Chain Collision on Bhilwara's National Highway
A tragic multi-vehicle pile-up unfolded on National Highway 48 in Bhilwara district early Friday morning, claiming three lives and leaving five individuals with serious injuries. The catastrophic incident, which occurred around 8 AM, was primarily attributed to severely reduced visibility caused by dense fog enveloping the region.
Chaotic Scene at Kothari River Bridge
The collision took place at the strategic Kothari river bridge near Bhilwara city, where multiple vehicles crashed into each other in rapid succession. The impact was so devastating that several automobiles sustained extensive damage, with one car becoming completely crushed between larger vehicles. Numerous passengers found themselves trapped within the wreckage, creating an immediate emergency situation.
Immediate Police Response and Rescue Operations
Personnel from Mandal police station swiftly arrived at the accident site after receiving distress calls. Their first priority involved extracting trapped individuals from the mangled vehicles—a challenging task that required considerable effort from both police officers and bystanders present at the location. The injured were promptly transported to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Bhilwara for urgent medical attention.
Traffic Paralysis and Ambulance Access Issues
The collision triggered massive traffic disruptions, with vehicles backed up for approximately four kilometers along the national highway. The resulting gridlock was so severe that even emergency 108 ambulances encountered significant difficulties reaching the accident scene. Local residents demonstrated remarkable community spirit by using private vehicles to help ferry injured persons to medical facilities.
Official Statements and Investigation
Bhilwara Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Singh confirmed the casualty figures, stating that three people had perished in the accident while five others sustained injuries. Mandal Deputy Superintendent of Police Rahul Joshi personally supervised relief and rescue operations alongside his team. Police have registered a formal case and initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Victim Identification and Post-Accident Procedures
The deceased victims have been identified as:
- Poluram (45), son of Karansingh Rawat, resident of Bhinay in Ajmer district
- Sunil (33), son of Khemraj, from Kalyan police station area of Mumbai
- One unidentified individual approximately 40 years old
The bodies were initially kept in the hospital mortuary, with post-mortem examinations conducted for the two identified victims before their remains were released to grieving family members. Identification procedures continue for the unknown deceased person.
Injured Persons and Recovery Efforts
Those hospitalized with serious injuries include:
- Taksir (32), resident of Bareilly
- Zaheer (35)
- Khatif (age unspecified)
- Neelam Gurjar (38), resident of Chittorgarh
- Gangadevi (70)
Recovery operations extended throughout the morning as authorities employed cranes and other heavy equipment to clear the damaged vehicles from the highway. This meticulous cleanup process eventually allowed traffic flow to be restored, though normalcy returned only after several hours of disruption.
Broader Implications for Highway Safety
This devastating incident highlights the persistent dangers associated with reduced visibility conditions on India's national highways. The Bhilwara tragedy serves as a sobering reminder about the critical importance of:
- Adapting driving behavior to weather conditions
- Implementing enhanced fog safety measures on vulnerable stretches
- Ensuring rapid emergency response capabilities during adverse weather events
As investigations continue, transportation authorities are expected to review safety protocols along NH-48, particularly during Rajasthan's fog-prone winter months.
