12 Killed as Paddy-Laden Truck Ploughs Into Devotees Near Sheetla Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh
At least 12 people were killed and several others injured after a truck carrying paddy lost control and crashed into devotees near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, early Sunday morning.
The accident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. on October 18, when a large number of devotees were travelling towards the temple during Navratri. The truck reportedly broke through police barricades before running into people on the road and crashing into the temple’s outer wall and gate.
The incident triggered panic at the site as people rushed to help the injured. Emergency teams and local authorities were alerted, and the injured were transported to hospitals for treatment.
12 Dead, Several Injured
According to information released by local authorities, 39 people were taken to hospital following the accident. Twelve of them were reported dead, while several others required medical treatment.
Officials said five or six patients were in critical condition, with some suffering fractures. Other injured people were reported to have sustained less serious injuries.
Two police personnel who were on duty near the accident site were also injured and received medical attention.
The condition of the injured and the final casualty figures may be updated as authorities receive further information from hospitals.
Police Investigate How Truck Reached the Crowd
The truck was reportedly travelling from the Chhinor side when it approached a steep stretch of road where heavy vehicles were restricted. It allegedly broke through the barricades and lost control before striking devotees gathered along the route.
Police and district officials are investigating how the vehicle crossed the security barriers and entered an area crowded with pilgrims.
A technical inspection of the truck is also planned to determine whether a mechanical fault contributed to the accident. Investigators will examine the circumstances in which the driver lost control and whether traffic restrictions and safety arrangements were properly followed.
The exact cause of the crash has not yet been established.
Rescue Operations and Investigation Continue
Following the accident, emergency services were deployed to assist victims and transport them to medical facilities. Authorities are gathering details about the deceased and injured while examining the sequence of events.
The investigation will focus on the truck’s condition, the circumstances surrounding the barricades and the measures in place to protect devotees using the temple route.
Further official updates are expected as the investigation progresses and the condition of injured patients becomes clearer.