Pawandeep Rajan Recounts Near-Fatal Car Crash: “The Car Had Caught Fire”

New Delhi, December 03, 2025: Seven months after a horrific car accident near Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Pawandeep Rajan, the beloved winner of Indian Idol 12, has bravely spoken about the near-fatal incident and his challenging path to recovery. The singer, who sustained severe injuries, including fractures in both legs, an arm injury, and a head injury requiring multiple surgeries, shared the terrifying details of the crash and his newfound appreciation for life.

The Night of the Accident

The tragic mishap occurred in the early hours of May 5, 2025, around 3:00 AM, as Pawandeep was travelling to Delhi to catch a flight for a live performance in Ahmedabad. His vehicle collided with a stationary truck on National Highway-9 near Moradabad.

Recounting the chaos on a recent podcast with musicians Salim-Sulaiman, Pawandeep revealed the frightening moments after the impact. “The driver dozed off, and one truck was standing on the road, so he rammed the car into the truck,” he shared. More shockingly, he revealed that the immediate aftermath was fraught with danger. “The car had caught fire, and I was inside it at the time,” he stated. Trapped and unable to move, his appeals for help initially went unanswered. He credited the timely arrival of the police with saving his life. “Initially, no one was helping us, then the police came. One of them pulled me out. I don’t know how long I was inside, but when I woke up, I was out of the car.”

A Long Road to Recovery

Pawandeep, along with his friend and driver, was first rushed to a local government hospital and later transferred to an advanced medical center in the Delhi NCR region, where he underwent several critical operations.

The extent of his injuries meant a very long period of immobility. The singer described the initial phase of his recovery: “Both my legs and a hand were broken. I called up home and asked my family to come. I just thought about getting it treated as soon as possible. It has all gotten better now.”

For the first month, he was completely bedridden and couldn’t even move from side to side. After being flown to Mumbai, he had to remain immobile for another month.

Finding Strength and Perspective

Despite the physical and emotional toll, the musical sensation has found a positive outlook. Pawandeep’s slow, steady return to mobility is a huge source of joy

“Now I’m able to walk a little, which makes me happy,” he shared. “The experience made me realise the true value of being able to walk.” He has also slowly started playing the guitar again, though he acknowledges his hand still requires more healing.

His message to his fans and listeners is one of resilience and acceptance: “When such incidents occur, you must accept them, move forward, and remain positive… I’ve begun walking gradually, and I hope my mobility improves further in the coming month.” His journey from the burning car to slowly walking and making music again is a true testament to his fighting spirit and optimism.