How Did 8 People Die When a Bus Plunged Into a Drain on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway Near Kota?

Quick answer: Eight people were killed and several others were injured after a passenger bus overturned and plunged into a drain on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway near Karadiya in Kota district, Rajasthan, on 17 October 2026. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Emergency number in India: 112.

Key facts

• What: Bus overturned and fell into a drain (road accident)
• Where: Near Karadiya, Kota district, Rajasthan, India, on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway
• Reported: 17 October 2026, via Outlook India
• Reported toll: 8 killed, several injured
• Emergency number: 112
• Status: developing — figures may change

What happened

The bus veered off the expressway and fell into a drain around 15 feet deep. Rescue teams used cranes to retrieve the damaged vehicle, while injured passengers were taken to hospital.

Simliya Station House Officer Nand Singh said four bodies had initially been recovered from the wreckage, while several injured passengers were taken for treatment. Kota District Collector Peeyush Samariya confirmed that eight people had been brought dead, according to reports, as the death toll rose to eight.

Initial reports suggested that the driver lost control of the vehicle before it left the road and fell into the drain. Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash, and authorities had not yet provided a complete official account of the number of passengers or the final injury tally.

Where it happened

The crash happened near Karadiya in Kota district, in Rajasthan, on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway. The expressway is a major transport corridor intended to reduce travel time between the national capital and Mumbai. In an emergency in India dial 112. See the India live accident page for everything reported there in the last 24 hours.

What happens next

A crash investigation follows: vehicle condition, speed, driver hours and road condition are examined. Where a commercial vehicle is involved, the operator's licence and maintenance records are examined, and families of victims are usually entitled to compensation under the country's motor insurance or accident-compensation rules. We update the India live page as new reports surface; the original outlet linked below will carry the confirmed figures first.

If you drive on routes like this

• Slow down in unfamiliar conditions: every 1% of extra speed raises fatal-crash risk about 4%
• Never assume the other vehicle sees you at night or in rain — drive as if it doesn't
• On two-lane roads, treat every overtake as the highest-risk moment of the trip
• Wear the seatbelt in every seat; rear belts save lives in head-on impacts
• Know the local emergency number before you travel — our emergency numbers directory covers every country

Source: Outlook India — https://www.outlookindia.com/national/kota-bus-accident-eight-killed-delhi-mumbai-expressway

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the Kota bus crash?

Eight people were confirmed dead. Kota District Collector Peeyush Samariya confirmed that eight people had been brought dead, according to reports. Four bodies had initially been recovered from the wreckage, and the toll rose as rescue teams reached the vehicle.

Where did the bus crash happen?

Near Karadiya in Kota district, Rajasthan, on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway. The bus veered off the expressway and fell into a drain around 15 feet deep.

What caused the Kota bus crash?

The cause has not been officially confirmed. Initial reports suggested that the driver lost control of the vehicle before it left the road. Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

What is the emergency number in India?

Dial 112. From most GSM mobile phones, 112 also reaches local emergency services.