Eleven pilgrims were killed and seven others injured in a collision between a van and a truck in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district on Tuesday. The accident occurred near Shri Balaji temple on the Bikaner-Jodhpur Highway, police said, adding eight women were among those killed.
The victims, who hailed from Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain district, were returning home after offering prayers at Ramdevra and Karni Mata temples.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on the tragic incident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. “The horrific road accident in Nagaur, Rajasthan is very painful. I express my condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives in this accident and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” he tweeted.
The prime minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the injured, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief over the accident. “The death of 11 pilgrims returning to MP in a horrific road accident in Shribalaji area of Nagaur is extremely sad. My condolences to the bereaved family, may God give them strength in this difficult time and may the soul of the departed rest in peace. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured,” Gehlot tweeted.