A tragic hit-and-run accident on a national highway in Rajasthan has claimed the lives of two women pilgrims from Gujarat. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, leaving a community in mourning and authorities searching for the driver responsible.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The fatal collision took place near the Bor Charanan toll plaza on National Highway-68, within the jurisdiction of the Dhorimana police station in Barmer district. The victims, identified as Premi Ben (55) and Tara Ben (50), were residents of Gihori in Banaskantha, Gujarat. They were part of a larger group of 50 pilgrims returning from the Ramdevra shrine in Jaisalmer.
According to police reports, the two women had alighted from their bus to use a washroom when the tragedy struck. A speeding Mahindra Thar SUV, travelling from Dhorimana towards Sanchore, mowed them down. The impact of the collision was so severe that it flung the victims nearly 50 metres on either side of the road, resulting in immediate fatalities.
Severe Impact and Police Investigation
Dhorimana Station House Officer (SHO) Deep Singh provided grim details of the accident. He confirmed that the force of the crash was immense, leading to broken limbs for both women. Despite the severity, the driver of the Thar did not stop to render aid or report the incident. Instead, the individual fled the scene with the vehicle and remains unidentified as of now.
Following the accident, fellow passengers from the pilgrim bus rushed to help. They arranged for an ambulance and transported the bodies of Premi Ben and Tara Ben to a nearby hospital. The police have launched a full-scale investigation to trace the hit-and-run driver and the vehicle involved.
Community Loss and Ongoing Search
The sudden loss has devastated the families and the pilgrim community from Banaskantha. The two women, who were sisters-in-law, had undertaken a spiritual journey that ended in unimaginable tragedy on their return trip.
Authorities are examining CCTV footage from the toll plaza and surrounding areas on NH-68 to identify the speeding SUV. The case underscores persistent road safety concerns on national highways, particularly regarding speeding vehicles and pedestrian safety in non-designated crossing zones. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in apprehending the absconding driver.
