**Kota, October 17, 2026:** A tragic road accident on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan's Kota district claimed at least eight lives and left several passengers injured early Saturday morning. The passenger vehicle reportedly veered off the expressway near Karadiya and plunged into a deep roadside ditch.
According to preliminary reports, the vehicle was travelling from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh towards Rajasthan when the accident occurred. The passengers were reportedly on their way to visit the Khatu Shyam Ji temple.
## Bus Falls into Deep Ditch
The accident took place at around 6 am near the Simliya police station area of Kota district. Initial reports suggest that the vehicle lost control, crossed the roadside barrier and fell into a ditch approximately 15 feet deep.
Preliminary accounts indicate that the driver may have dozed off while driving. However, the exact cause of the accident has yet to be conclusively established.
The impact left the vehicle badly damaged, making it difficult for rescuers to reach passengers trapped inside.
## Rescue Teams Rush to the Spot
Police and emergency personnel reached the accident site and launched rescue operations. Local residents also reportedly assisted in the initial response as efforts continued to evacuate the injured and recover those trapped in the damaged vehicle.
Rescue workers faced difficulties because of the depth of the ditch and the condition of the vehicle. Cranes and other equipment were deployed to help with the operation.
The injured passengers were taken to hospitals in Kota, including MBS Hospital and New Medical College Hospital, for medical treatment.
## Passengers Were Travelling from Madhya Pradesh
According to reports, the group included members of extended families from Madhya Pradesh who were travelling to Rajasthan for a religious visit. The journey was intended to be a pilgrimage, but the accident turned it into a devastating incident for the families involved.
Authorities are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and confirm the details of those affected.
## Investigation into the Accident Underway
The incident has once again drawn attention to road safety on high-speed expressways, where driver fatigue can pose a serious risk, particularly during long journeys and early-morning travel.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances of the crash to determine what caused the vehicle to leave the road. Further official information may clarify the sequence of events and the condition of the injured passengers.
**The accident remains a developing story, and details may change as authorities release further updates.**