The ongoing protest regarding the bus accident in Matoda, Phalodi, has concluded today after an agreement was reached between the administration and the victims' families. Postmortem procedures for the deceased have now commenced. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including 10 women, 4 children, and the driver.
On Sunday night, a high-speed bus collided with a stationary trailer on the Matoda Highway in Phalodi. Preliminary investigations suggest the driver might have dozed off. In light of the accident, families initially demanded a compensation of 2.5 million rupees each and a government job. The administration negotiated with the families, and an agreement has been established, leading to the end of the protest.
The deceased's bodies were placed in the mortuaries of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital and AIIMS, where a sit-down protest was led by Congress leader Karan Singh Uchiyarada.
Compensation Announced by Administration
District Supplies Officer Anjum Tahir Samma arrived at the protest site to announce the compensation. It was revealed that each deceased's family would receive 1 million rupees, while families with three or more deceased members would receive 2.5 million rupees. Severely injured individuals would receive 200,000 rupees, and those with minor injuries would receive 100,000 rupees. Following the announcement, Congress leader Karan Singh Uchiyarada agreed to the terms, ending the protest.
Comments from Madan Dilawar
On learning about the accident, Chief Minister's appointee and Education Minister Madan Dilawar arrived in Jodhpur. He consulted with District Collector Gaurav Agarwal and Phalodi administration. Speaking to the media, Dilawar stated that while not all demands can ever be fully met, reasonable ones will be addressed.
He expressed empathy for the affected families and promised appropriate assistance. Discussing the accident's cause, he mentioned, 'The bus collided with a stationary trailer, indicating the driver may have dozed off. However, I wasn't present, so I can't be certain. An investigation will be conducted into why the trailer was on the highway, and measures will be taken to prevent future incidents.'
Following this tragedy, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reportedly cancelled all his Patna engagements. It is anticipated he may join the families during the last rites.
