A tragic accident occurred early Sunday when a truck carrying paddy crashed into devotees near Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior district, resulting in 14 fatalities and 28 injuries.
The incident unfolded around 1:30 AM on Chinor Road during the Sharadiya Navratri celebrations, causing significant damage to the temple.
As the truck descended a slope, it reportedly lost control and struck the crowd, hitting both devotees and roadside shops before crashing into the temple’s entrance gate. The wall of the idol hall was also damaged in the collision.
The temple, a popular site during the Navratri festival, attracts large crowds of devotees for prayers. The presence of a heavy vehicle in a restricted area has raised concerns about traffic management and safety measures at the temple.
Truck Enters Restricted Area
Gwalior District Collector Ruchika Chauhan stated that the truck was coming downhill from the Chinor direction when it veered left. An investigator mentioned that the vehicle might have experienced mechanical issues while descending. Police are currently investigating the accident’s cause.
Asit Yadav, Acting Inspector General of Police for the Gwalior range, confirmed the death toll and noted that some injured individuals were in critical condition. Two police officers on duty were also hurt.
The truck driver reportedly fled the scene, prompting police to cordon off the area and search for him. Authorities are examining how the truck accessed a road meant for pedestrians, especially with large crowds present.
Rescue Teams Transport Victims to Hospitals
Following the accident, rescue teams transported the injured and deceased to various hospitals, including a trauma center in Gwalior. Multiple medical teams were on hand to treat the victims, with some in critical condition but others reportedly stabilized.
Crane machines were deployed to remove the damaged truck, aiding in rescue efforts. Relatives rushed to hospitals to identify victims and check on their loved ones.
Initial reports identified eight of the deceased, aged between 15 and 50.
Madhya Pradesh Government Launches Inquiry
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed condolences for the victims and ordered an inquiry into the incident. He instructed the district administration to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report.
The state government announced financial aid of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased’s family, Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for individuals with minor injuries. The government will also cover medical expenses for those in critical condition.
The inquiry will focus on how the truck entered the restricted area, traffic control measures, and the possibility of mechanical failure leading to the crash.
This tragedy has reignited discussions on crowd management and traffic safety at busy religious sites during festivals.