Gwalior Horror: Out-of-Control Truck Mows Down Devotees, 12 Dead
A paddy-laden truck broke through police barricades and mowed down devotees near Gwalior's Sheetla Mata temple, leaving 12 dead and many injured.
In a devastating tragedy that has shaken Gwalior, at least 12 people lost their lives and dozens more were injured after a heavy truck crashed into a crowd of devotees gathered near the Sheetla Mata Temple late Saturday night. The vehicle, loaded with paddy, reportedly broke through police checkpoints before plowing into pilgrims and crashing into the temple's infrastructure.
Chaos at Midnight: The Sequence of Events
The horrific incident unfolded around 1:30 AM. According to Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dharmveer Singh, the truck was traveling from the Chhinor direction. The route leading to the temple features a steep slope where heavy vehicle traffic is strictly restricted due to safety concerns.
Despite the restrictions and the presence of police barricades, the paddy-laden truck managed to break through the checkpoints. After losing control on the descent, the vehicle veered violently, running over pilgrims who were on the road before finally smashing into the temple's outer wall and main gate.
Casualties and Critical Injuries
The impact was catastrophic. SSP Dharmveer Singh confirmed that 39 people were rushed to the hospital following the crash. Out of these, 12 individuals succumbed to their injuries. The police further noted that five to six patients remain in critical condition with severe fractures, while others are being treated for minor injuries.
The carnage was not limited to the devotees; two police personnel stationed at the checkpoint were also injured during the rampage and are currently receiving medical care.
Official Response and Investigation
Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan stated that emergency services, including multiple ambulances, were dispatched immediately upon receiving news of the accident. She confirmed that while initial reports varied slightly, the scale of the tragedy is immense, with nearly 30 people sustaining various injuries.
The administration has now raised serious questions regarding the security lapse. Since the incident occurred during the Navratri period, a dedicated stopper and police checkpoint were in place to manage the crowds. The authorities are now investigating how a heavy truck managed to bypass these security measures.
To determine the cause of the crash, an RTO (Regional Transport Office) team has been deployed to conduct a mechanical inspection of the truck to see if a brake failure or other technical glitch caused the vehicle to veer left.
Eyewitness Account: "Overloaded and Sudden"
The scene was described as one of absolute chaos by those present. An eyewitness, whose brother was among the injured, claimed that the truck appeared to be overloaded, which may have contributed to the driver's inability to control the vehicle on the steep slope.
"It occurred around 1 AM. I saw some people die on the spot. The truck was overloaded; it came suddenly and ran over some shops and people," the witness recounted.
Medical teams are currently conducting CT scans and X-rays on the survivors to ensure comprehensive treatment as the city mourns the loss of 12 innocent lives.