Phalodi (Rajasthan): Four people, including a woman, lost their lives, and nine others were seriously injured after a speeding truck rammed into a pickup van on the Phalodi–Bikaner National Highway late Friday night.

According to police, the victims were part of a group of migrant labourers from Madhya Pradesh who travel to Phalodi each year for the cotton-picking season.

The deceased were identified as Gopilal — the driver of the pickup van — along with Jagdeesh, Teena Lal Singh, and Pooja.

The collision occurred near Bhadu Bhai Hotel when the truck, allegedly moving at high speed, ploughed into the pickup van carrying 16 passengers. Locals rushed to the spot to assist before emergency teams and police arrived.

Phalodi Police Station Officer Bhanvararam said the injured were initially taken to the district hospital. Those in critical condition were later referred to MDM Hospital in Jodhpur for advanced treatment.

“Two people died on the spot, while two others succumbed to injuries on the way to Jodhpur. A case has been registered, the truck has been seized, and efforts are underway to locate the absconding driver,” the officer added.

Preliminary investigation suggests negligence and overspeeding as the cause of the crash. Authorities are continuing their probe into the incident.