The driver involved in the horrific accident that killed at least 19 people and injured several others in Jaipur was under the influence of alcohol and had argued with a car driver just minutes before the crash, police said on Monday. Investigators have ruled out brake failure as the cause of the tragedy.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Usha Yadav, the argument reportedly escalated when the truck driver’s dumper brushed past another car. “The car driver got down and scolded the dumper driver. Enraged, the accused rammed into the car again, but the car driver managed to pull aside. The dumper driver then sped away in anger,” she said.

Moments later, on Lohamandi Road, the dumper ploughed into multiple vehicles, triggering one of the deadliest accidents in recent memory. At least 17 vehicles were involved in the collision.

Horrific visuals on Lohamandi Road

Witnesses described scenes of absolute devastation — mangled cars, crushed motorcycles, and bodies strewn across the road. Many bystanders and locals rushed to rescue those trapped inside vehicles before emergency services arrived.

Police said the driver first hit a scooterist before ramming into several vehicles at high speed. “There was no brake failure; the accident was caused by reckless driving and intoxication,” ACP Yadav clarified.

As onlookers tried to chase him, the driver reportedly fled again. A police team later caught him after a short pursuit. His medical examination confirmed that he was drunk at the time of the crash.

Eyewitness accounts of chaos and panic

Eyewitnesses recounted the terrifying moments that followed the collision. “People were pulling bodies out of cars; some were crying, others were trapped inside. There was chaos everywhere,” said a local shopkeeper who helped rescue victims.

Leaders express grief and announce relief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.

“Pained by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jaipur, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a post on X.

President Droupadi Murmu called the incident “extremely heartbreaking” and offered condolences to the bereaved families. “I express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” she said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also expressed his grief over the tragedy and assured all possible assistance to the injured and their families.

Investigation underway

Police have registered a case of culpable homicide and rash driving under the influence of alcohol. The dumper truck has been seized, and authorities are verifying its ownership and registration details.

ACP Yadav added that the department will conduct a detailed probe into the driver’s background and possible prior offences.

The state government has ordered an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the accident and the response time of emergency services.