New Delhi: A tragic incident occurred a few kilometres from Gwalior, leaving a trail of bodies on the road. In the middle of the night, an out-of-control truck ploughed into a crowd of devotees, resulting in 14 deaths. Forty people have been injured in the accident; some remain in critical condition, and the death toll could potentially rise. The injured have been admitted to the Gwalior District Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, preliminary investigations have shed light on the cause of the accident, as detailed by Gwalior SSP Dharmveer Singh Yadav.
SSP provides details
The SSP explained that the route from the Shitalahar temple stretching from Dabra toward Chinor is located in a hilly area with a steep incline. Two heavy trucks had been stopped on this slope. Dharmveer Singh Yadav stated that at approximately 1:30 AM, one of the trucks lost control, crushed the stoppers, slid down the slope, and finally came to a halt after colliding with the temple gate. Security personnel on duty attempted to stop the vehicle, but by then, the major tragedy had already unfolded.
He further noted that some security personnel were also among the injured. Several individuals were trapped underneath the truck; unfortunately, they have passed away. A ‘Hydra’ crane was immediately summoned to the scene to carry out a rescue operation and extract those trapped. Forty people were injured and subsequently hospitalised; five to six of them remain in serious condition and are currently receiving medical care.
District Collector expresses grief.
Gwalior District Collector Ruchika Singh has expressed her sorrow over this tragic incident. Describing the event as “extremely unfortunate and deeply saddening,” she stated that authorities began receiving calls regarding the incident at approximately 1:30 AM. Beyond the Sheetla Mata Temple, there is a road leading towards Chinor; this section is on an upward slope. It has been determined that a truck lost control and veered to the left, striking the barriers placed there. Two of our Home Guard personnel were present at that location.
Investigation Ordered
Collector Ruchika Singh stated that they have been at the trauma centre for the past two to three hours. Tragically, 11 people have lost their lives so far. Additionally, five to seven patients are in critical condition, and approximately 29–30 others have sustained various types of injuries. We have dispatched an RTO team to investigate the cause of the incident; they will examine the vehicle to determine whether there was a mechanical failure or if any other factor was responsible.
