India: 12 devotees killed as truck runs over pilgrims in Madhya Pradesh

At least 12 devotees lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries after a truck, carrying paddy, lost control and collided with a group of pilgrims near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, early on Sunday morning. The incident unfolded around 1:30 am when the heavily loaded truck reportedly breached police barricades on a steep road where vehicles are restricted.

The truck then ran over the worshippers before crashing into the temple's entrance and outer wall. Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police Dharmveer Singh reported that 39 individuals were taken to hospitals following the mishap, with 12 fatalities. Five to six patients were critically injured, facing fractures, while others sustained minor injuries.

Two police officers on duty at the scene also sustained injuries and were receiving treatment. The Gwalior Collector, Ruchika Chauhan, confirmed the dispatch of ambulances and other emergency vehicles post the accident report. She stated that around 29 people suffered injuries, including two police personnel, and emphasized that the injured were being medically evaluated through scans and X-rays to ascertain their treatment requirements.

An investigation into the breach of the police barricades and the driver's loss of control was initiated. Authorities have dispatched a Regional Transport Office (RTO) team to conduct a mechanical inspection of the truck to rule out any vehicle faults that might have contributed to the crash.