Tragic Collision Claims Lives of Two Girls in Kota, Injures Five

A tragic accident in Kota, Rajasthan, on November 1, 2023, resulted in the deaths of two young girls and injuries to five other students. The incident occurred when a private school van collided with an SUV during the morning commute.

According to local authorities, the collision took place between 07:30 and 08:00 local time as the van was transporting around 12 students from Gaita village to a private school in Itawa. Initial investigations suggest that the bursting of one of the school van’s tyres may have caused the vehicle to lose control, leading to the collision with the SUV, which was travelling from Sheopur in Madhya Pradesh towards Bundi.

The deceased have been identified as Tanu Nagar, 14, a Class 10 student, and Prijal Arya, 9, a Class 4 student. Both girls succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident. The five injured students include Bhumik Gawalera (13), Ronit Nagar (11), Prachi Nagar (10), Khanan Nagar (8), and Himani (8). They were initially treated at a local hospital before being referred to MBS Hospital for further care.

The van driver, Parvez Ahmed, also sustained injuries and was admitted to the same facility. Reports indicate that the occupants of the SUV, a Bolero vehicle, experienced minor injuries. A total of 12 students were on board the school van, and those who were not injured were sent home following medical examinations.

Local officials quickly responded to the scene and the hospital. Among them were Chetan Patel, the local MLA, who visited the injured, and Madan Dilawar, the state education minister. Both officials expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased and ensured that the injured received adequate medical attention.

Kota Collector Peyush Samaria confirmed that the investigation into the accident is ongoing. Shivam Joshi, Deputy Superintendent of Police in Itawa, emphasized the severity of the collision, noting that the impact caused both vehicles to overturn.

The bodies of the deceased girls were handed over to their families after postmortem examinations. Local authorities are working to gather further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This tragic event has raised concerns about road safety, particularly for school transportation. The community mourns the loss of Tanu and Prijal, while hopes remain for the swift recovery of the injured students.