Five people died in a road accident in Rajasthan’s Jaipur district early Saturday after a car rammed a trailer on the Kota–Jaipur National Highway-52. Police said the crash occurred around 5.30 am when the driver allegedly dozed off behind the wheel.

According to police, the victims, all residents of Jabalpur, were on a religious trip. They had visited Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and were on their way to Khatu Shyam Ji Temple when the accident took place.

Investigators said the driver fell asleep, causing the car to crash into a trailer moving ahead. The impact completely mangled the vehicle. Four people, including a woman, died on the spot. A seriously injured man succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital.

Police identified the victims as Reshma Shrivastava, Piyush Rai, Rahul Rajak, Shanu and the driver, Anurag.

The accident briefly disrupted traffic on the national highway. Local police and the accident response team reached the spot soon after receiving information. Authorities removed the damaged vehicle with the help of a crane and restored traffic movement.

Police shifted the bodies to the mortuary of the Chaksu sub-district hospital. Officials said the group had left for Ujjain two days ago and, after offering prayers on February 13, set out for Khatu Shyam Ji. Preliminary investigation suggests that the driver falling asleep led to the crash.

Source: India Today