Rajasthan accident: 11 dead, 12 injured; PM announces compensation

Around 25 people, many from one family, from the Badau ki Dhani area of Jhunjhunu had gone to visit Mansa Mata temple in Lohagar in Udaipurwati in a pickup van. When they were returning from the temple, the vehicle overturned on Gudha Road near Leela Wali Dhani village.

Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan): Eleven people were killed and around 12 others injured when a pickup van overturned in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan on Tuesday. Around 25 people, many from one family, from the Badau ki Dhani area of Jhunjhunu had gone to visit Mansa Mata temple in Lohagar in Udaipurwati in a pickup van.

When they were returning from the temple, the vehicle overturned on Gudha Road near Leela Wali Dhani village. Sources said that eight people died on the spot. Speaking to reporters, Circle Officer Shankarlal Chaba said that apart from those who died on the spot, three more succumbed to their injuries later.

"Apart from those who died on the spot during the accident, three more died at the BDK Hospital. Out of the three one died during treatment and two others were referred to Jaipur and died on the way. With this the death toll has reached 11," said Chaba. Earlier in the day Additional District Collector Jagdish Prasad Gaur, DYSP Shankarlal Chhaba, and Jhunjhunu CMHO Dr Chhote Lal Gurjar reached the BDK Hospital.

Expressing grief over the incident Prime Minister Narendra announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. "Anguished by the tragic accident in Jhunjhunu. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of the deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," stated a tweet by the PMO.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condoled the deaths. "It is very sad that the death toll in the accident has increased to 11. May God give strength to the bereaved family members in this difficult time, I pray to rest the souls of the departed," tweeted Gehlot.