? Tragic Loss on Pilgrimage Route

On July 17–18, 2025, four people died in three separate road mishaps on the Delhi–Haridwar national highway during the busy Kanwar Yatra period. Among the deceased were three pilgrims carrying holy Ganges water.

? First Crash: Bike Hits Scooter Near Budhana

Near the Budhana underpass in Muzaffarnagar district, Khatauli SHO Brijesh Kumar reported that a speeding motorcycle with three riders collided head-on with a scooter. Raj (18) and Vipin (20) died on the spot; three others—including a woman—were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals. All were headed from Ghaziabad to Haridwar when the crash occurred. The bodies were sent for post-mortem and the injured remain in critical condition. 1

? Second Crash: Pilgrim Run Over by Truck

Also on the same highway near Purkazi, a 23-year-old Kanwariya named Rohit from Rohini, Delhi, was struck by a passing truck and killed instantly. The accident site fall under Purkazi police jurisdiction, and authorities confirmed Rohit was on pilgrimage when the fatal incident took place. 2

⛺ Third Crash: Non-Pilgrim Dies Under Tractor Trailer

Early on July 18, 38-year-old Mahesh Kumar from Madhya Pradesh was fatally run over while sleeping beneath a parked tractor-trolley belonging to pilgrims near Saleempur village. Police clarified that Mahesh was not part of the Kanwar Yatra. His body, too, was sent for post-mortem. 3

? Timeline of Incidents

• July 17 afternoon: Motorcycle–scooter collision kills two pilgrims near Budhana.
• July 17–18: Rohit run over by truck near Purkazi.
• Early July 18: Mahesh Kumar killed under parked tractor trailer.

? Highway Safety Risks During Yatra

The Chota Char Dham pilgrimage period (mid-July peak) sees heavy traffic on NH‑58, with a mix of pilgrims, heavy vehicles, and minimal enforcement—creating a recipe for accidents. Such hazards include speeding, low visibility at night, and fatigue, posing serious threats to both participants and bystanders. 4

? Quiz & Trivia

• How many total fatalities occurred? Four.
• How many pilgrims were killed? Three.
• Name the two pilgrims who died in the bike crash. Raj (18) & Vipin (20).
• Which village was Mahesh Kumar near? Saleempur.
• Which police station areas were involved? Khatauli and Purkazi.

✅ The Road Ahead

Authorities are investigating all three crashes, with post-mortems underway. These incidents underscore the urgent need to bolster road safety measures during mass pilgrimages—such as better traffic control, speed enforcement, lighting, and designated rest zones—to protect lives on these sacred routes.

Source: The Hans India