In recent days, a series of tragic highway accidents have claimed the lives of several devotees traveling to and from the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. These incidents have raised concerns about road safety during large religious gatherings.
Fatal Collision in Bharatpur
On Wednesday night, a devastating accident occurred on the Bharatpur-Karauli state highway near Kurwriya village in Rajasthan. A truck collided with a car carrying four devotees en route to the Mahakumbh. The impact resulted in the deaths of three individuals: Gopal Singh (32) from Rudawal, and Ram Chandra (30) and Lakhan Singh (35), both from Karauli. Three others, including the drivers of both vehicles, sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at a hospital in Bayana.
Bus-Truck Collision in Etawah
In a separate incident early Thursday morning, a bus transporting devotees from Delhi and Faridabad to the Mahakumbh collided with a trailer truck on the Agra-Lucknow highway near the Bakewar overbridge in Uttar Pradesh’s Etawah district. Approximately 40 passengers, aged between 17 and 70, suffered injuries. The bus driver, Vinod Upadhyay (40) from Bulandshahr, was among the most critically injured and has been referred to the district hospital for advanced care.
Additional Incidents Involving Mahakumbh Pilgrims
These tragic events are part of a concerning pattern of accidents involving Mahakumbh pilgrims:
- Muzaffarpur, Bihar: Five Nepali nationals lost their lives, and four others were injured when their vehicle overturned while attempting to avoid a collision with a biker performing stunts. The victims were returning home after participating in the Mahakumbh Mela.
- Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh: At least six devotees returning from the Mahakumbh were killed, and 13 others injured after a pickup van’s axle broke, causing occupants to fall onto the road, where they were struck by a truck.
- Amethi, Uttar Pradesh: Two devotees died, and nine others sustained injuries when a high-speed SUV collided with a state transport vehicle.
Authorities Respond
In response to these incidents, local authorities have initiated investigations to determine the causes of the accidents. Police teams have been dispatched to the scenes, and the injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to their respective families following postmortem examinations.
Safety Concerns During Religious Gatherings
The recurrence of such accidents highlights the need for enhanced road safety measures during large-scale religious events like the Mahakumbh. Authorities are urged to implement stricter traffic regulations, ensure proper maintenance of vehicles, and increase awareness among pilgrims about safe travel practices to prevent further tragedies.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and ensuring the well-being of the injured. The community mourns the loss of lives and hopes for the swift recovery of those hurt in these unfortunate events.
