12 Fatalities in Gwalior Truck Incident Near Sheetla Mata Temple
A tragic accident involving an out-of-control truck claimed 12 lives and left numerous others injured near a temple in Gwalior.
The truck lost control at around 1:30 AM, crashing into devotees and the temple's structures.
39 individuals were hospitalized, with 12 confirmed dead and several critically injured.
Authorities are investigating how the truck breached police barricades during the Navratri festival.
In a devastating incident in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, at least 12 people lost their lives when a truck careened into a crowd of devotees near the Sheetla Mata Temple late Saturday night. The accident, which occurred around 1:30 AM, saw the truck break through police barricades, resulting in significant damage to the temple's gate and outer wall while running over worshippers gathered on the road.
According to Dharmveer Singh, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Gwalior, the truck was loaded with paddy and was traveling from Chhinor when it lost control on a steep slope where heavy vehicles are prohibited. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the truck was overloaded, and its sudden descent led to a catastrophic collision with the devotees. The police reported that two officers on duty were also injured during the incident.
Following the crash, emergency services responded promptly, transporting 39 individuals to local hospitals. Tragically, 12 of these individuals succumbed to their injuries, while five to six others are in critical condition. The remaining victims sustained various minor injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan confirmed the details of the incident and the ongoing relief efforts.
Authorities are now conducting an investigation to determine how the truck managed to bypass the police checkpoint and barricades that were in place for the Navratri festival. Chauhan emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry, stating that the presence of a stopper and police checkpoint raises questions about the circumstances leading to the accident. An RTO team has been dispatched to inspect the truck for mechanical issues that may have contributed to the loss of control.
As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event. Local officials are committed to ensuring that those injured receive the necessary medical care, with ongoing assessments such as CT scans and X-rays being performed. Further updates on the situation and the investigation are expected in the coming days.
