15 killed as truck hits Hindu devotees in India, crashes into temple gate; 2 arrested
Five devotees reportedly sustained grievous injuries and were rushed to different hospitals in Gwalior, while others sustained minor injuries.
Fifteen people were killed and 27 injured after a truck ran over Hindu devotees near Shitala Mata Temple in India's Gwalior before crashing into the temple's entrance gate early today (18 October), police said.
The force of the impact sent a section of the gateway wall crashing down, trapping several people under the debris, they added.
According to Gwalior Superintendent of Police (SP) Dharamveer Yadav, a preliminary investigation suggests a mechanical failure that caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
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Truck owner Mohit Singh and driver Dilbag Singh have been arrested.
Five devotees reportedly sustained grievous injuries and were rushed to different hospitals in Gwalior, while others sustained minor injuries. All the deceased were from Gwalior and neighbouring districts.
"On the occasion of Saptami, a large crowd from Gwalior and surrounding districts had gathered at the temple... In view of the crowd, entry of heavy vehicles was restricted," Yadav said.
"Around 1:30am, a truck laden with paddy coming from the Chinor side was stopped by police at the barricade, but the driver lost control on the slope and ploughed into roadside stalls and devotees," he said.
The truck then broke through the barricades and struck the entrance gate after running over devotees and stalls.
Police said five to six prasad stalls were damaged and nearly 41 people were hit in the accident.
Rescue teams and police immediately rushed to the spot and pulled out those trapped under the collapsed wall.
In a post on X, the Indian Prime Minister's Office said, "Distressed to learn about the loss of lives due to a mishap in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
"An ex-gratia of Rs2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs50,000."
District Collector Ruchika Chauhan said the injured are being treated with Red Cross funds and all necessary medical assistance is being provided.
