Jaipur, April 16 (IANS) At least three people died, and more than 23 passengers sustained injuries in a road accident in the Ranpur police station area of Kota in Rajasthan.

A private bus was involved in the crash, said officials, adding that the accident was reported late on Wednesday night.

Among the injured, six to seven are reported to be in critical condition.

The accident took place on a four-lane highway in the state. According to reports, a passenger bus travelling from Gujarat’s Ahmedabad to Bhind-Morena in Madhya Pradesh was passing through Kota with over 50 people on board. Near Aavli-Rojdi, within the Ranpur police station limits, a windowpane of the bus suddenly shattered, producing a loud noise that triggered panic among passengers. The sudden commotion distracted the driver, causing the bus to lose control. It crossed the central divider, entered the opposite lane, and overturned with a loud crash.

The impact led to chaos inside the bus, with passengers screaming and calling for help. The locals rushed to the spot and tried to help the victims before the police arrived.

An injured woman recounted that the bus had halted briefly at a mid-way stop where passengers took some rest. She said the driver had been changed barely 15 minutes before the accident, which had already made some passengers uneasy.

Upon receiving information, police, administrative teams, and the fire brigade rushed to the scene and immediately began rescue operations. Local residents also assisted in relief efforts.

According to DSP Manish Sharma, three people died on the spot, while six to seven injured passengers remain in critical condition. All critically injured victims were shifted to the New Medical College Hospital, where treatment is ongoing. Rescue operations continued till late at night.

District Collector Piyush Samariya, City SP Tejaswini Gautam, and other officials also reached the spot to oversee the situation.

Among the three deceased, two were residents of Bhind (Madhya Pradesh), identified as Dharmendra and Krishna. Police stated that both victims were seated in the driver’s cabin. When the bus overturned, the front windshield shattered, causing them to be flung onto the road. At that moment, a trailer approaching from the opposite direction ran over them, leading to their deaths.

Among the injured are residents of Gwalior — Devendra, Poonam, Pari, Somveer, and Satyam. Additionally, Ramdulare, Naveen, Naina, and Pooja from Bhind sustained injuries, primarily to their heads and legs. The identities of several other injured passengers are yet to be confirmed.

–IANS

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