70 pilgrims killed as truck falls into gorge in Rajasthan

At least 70 pilgrims were killed and over 130 wounded when a truck carrying them fell into a gorge near Desuri Ki Naal village in Rajsamund district, nearly 150 kilometres from Udaipur, on Friday.

The accident occurred when the truck driver lost control over the wheels and the vehicle smashed through a protective wall on the road and hurtled into the gorge, said Rajsamund District Superintendent of Police Rupinder Singh.

Singh said the pilgrims were going to Ramdevra Temple in Jaisalmer district when the mishap took place at around 8 pm. So far, 70 bodies have been pulled out of the gorge but they are yet to be identified, he added.

Local authorities pressed into service cranes and searchlights to retrieve the bodies and rescue the injured, the SP said, adding medical teams are attending to the wounded.