Rajasthan’s roads turned deadly yesterday as six women perished in a devastating collision on the Jaipur-Bikaner highway. Three more cling to life in hospitals after their van smashed into an oncoming truck in Churu region.

The accident occurred around dusk, catching drivers off-guard in fading light. Reports indicate the passenger van was overtaking when the truck veered into its path abruptly. Metal twisted and glass shattered in an instant, drawing horrified gasps from passersby.

Quick-thinking locals alerted authorities, but by the time ambulances arrived, four women had already succumbed. The remaining injured were airlifted to advanced care facilities amid pouring rain that complicated rescue efforts.

Preliminary inquiries point to human error compounded by mechanical failure in the truck. The driver, whose whereabouts are unknown, faces charges of culpable homicide. Families of the deceased gathered at the accident site, wailing in grief.

Medical teams are battling to stabilize the critically wounded, who suffer from spinal injuries and organ damage. Community leaders decry the lack of safety barriers and adequate signage on this vital artery connecting major cities.

In the aftermath, traffic police have intensified checks, impounding several errant vehicles. Advocacy groups renew calls for radar surveillance and better emergency response networks. This heartbreaking loss underscores the urgent need for safer travel across India’s rural highways.