Dense Fog Causes Fatal Collision on Bikaner-Ajmer National Highway, Two Dead and Four Injured

Jaipur, January 20 – A tragic road accident occurred on Bikaner-Ajmer National Highway-58 near Marwar Mundwa in Nagaur district on Monday morning, leaving two dead and four injured. The collision, attributed to dense fog, involved a pickup truck and a heavy vehicle, resulting in fatalities and critical injuries. The driver of the truck fled the scene, leaving behind the vehicle.

Emergency services responded promptly, transporting the injured to Mundwa Community Health Center (CHC).

The Sequence of Events

The accident took place near Bada Mata Temple, where the pickup truck, carrying six passengers, collided head-on with a speeding truck in reduced visibility caused by heavy fog. Eyewitnesses reported that the fog had drastically limited visibility, making it nearly impossible to detect oncoming vehicles.

Upon receiving the distress call, Mundwa Station House Officer (SHO) Suman Bundela arrived at the scene with a police team. Five of the injured were extracted from the damaged pickup truck and rushed to the CHC in an ambulance. However, the driver was trapped in the wreckage, necessitating a 30-minute rescue operation with the help of a crane to free him.

Casualties and Injuries

At the hospital, two passengers were declared dead:

• Suresh (26), son of Papalal Sankhla, resident of Kuchera.
• Ramzan (27), son of Fateh Mohammad.

The injured were identified as:

1. Rakesh (25), son of Chenaram Gurjar, resident of Gotedi.
2. Hukmaram (28), son of Baldevram, resident of Kuchera.
3. Kamal (24), son of Shravanram, resident of Kuchera.
4. Sunil (23), son of Papalal Sankhla, resident of Kuchera.

After receiving primary treatment at the Mundwa CHC, the injured were referred to Nagaur District Hospital for advanced care.

Rescue Efforts and Police Action

The accident site was marked by mangled vehicles and chaos as rescue operations unfolded. SHO Suman Bundela, supervising the operation, stated:

• “The fog significantly reduced visibility, which likely caused the collision. The truck driver fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle.”

The police have registered a case of negligence against the absconding truck driver. Efforts are underway to locate the individual, and the truck has been seized for investigation.

The Impact of Fog on Road Safety

The tragic accident underscores the increasing risks of driving during foggy conditions, especially on national highways. Nagaur and surrounding areas have been experiencing severe fog over the past week, causing multiple accidents and disrupting traffic.

Key contributing factors to fog-related accidents include:

1. Reduced Visibility: Drivers often fail to see vehicles or obstacles until it’s too late to react.
2. Speeding in Adverse Conditions: Excessive speed in low visibility situations increases the chances of collisions.
3. Poor Road Awareness: Drivers may not use fog lights or maintain safe distances, further compounding the risk.

Preventive Measures for Safe Driving in Fog

To prevent similar incidents, authorities and road safety experts recommend the following:

• Use Fog Lights: Activate fog lights to enhance visibility.
• Maintain Safe Speeds: Drive cautiously and reduce speed when visibility is compromised.
• Keep Safe Distances: Allow ample space between vehicles to enable timely braking.
• Avoid High Beams: High beams can reflect off the fog, reducing visibility further.
• Follow Traffic Guidelines: Stay vigilant and adhere to road signs and signals.

Local traffic police have intensified patrols and issued advisories urging drivers to exercise caution during early mornings and late evenings when fog is at its peak.

The Victims and Their Families

The accident has left the families of the deceased in mourning. Suresh and Ramzan were reportedly en route to a family gathering when the collision occurred. Both were known for their community involvement and were well-respected in their localities.

One of the injured, Rakesh, shared his account of the incident:

• “The fog was so dense that we didn’t see the truck until it was too late. It all happened within seconds.”

Recent Accidents on Bikaner-Ajmer Highway

This stretch of the Bikaner-Ajmer Highway has witnessed several accidents in recent months, often attributed to:

• Poor visibility during winters.
• Speeding heavy vehicles.
• Lack of adequate road safety measures, such as reflective signage and lighting.

In December 2024, a similar accident claimed the lives of three individuals, prompting authorities to consider stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

Government and Local Authorities Respond

Local authorities have assured the public of immediate action to improve road safety on the highway. Some proposed measures include:

1. Installing Reflective Markers: To guide drivers during low-visibility conditions.
2. Enhanced Patrolling: Deploying more personnel to monitor speeding vehicles.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating drivers on safe practices during foggy weather.

Nagaur District Collector, in a statement, emphasized the importance of adhering to safety norms:

• “We urge drivers to take necessary precautions, especially during winter months when fog-related accidents are more frequent.”