GWALIOR (Rajeev Sharma): A religious visit turned into a devastating tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district early Sunday after a paddy-laden truck broke through police barricades and crashed into devotees heading towards the Sheetla Mata temple. At least 15 people lost their lives and 24 others were injured, according to officials.
The accident took place at around 1.30 am on Chhinor Road, a stretch featuring a steep descent where the movement of heavy vehicles is restricted. The truck reportedly crossed a police checkpoint before descending the slope uncontrollably and smashing into the temple’s outer boundary wall and entrance gate.
Several pilgrims walking along the road were trapped beneath the vehicle. Emergency teams rushed the injured to hospitals, while police and local authorities coordinated rescue and medical assistance.
Senior police official Dharmveer Singh said the truck had initially been stopped near the restricted section but subsequently broke through the barricades. The vehicle then lost control and struck the temple premises, causing multiple casualties.
Officials said 39 people were taken to hospitals following the incident, with 15 subsequently reported dead. Around five to six injured people were said to be in critical condition, suffering from serious injuries, including fractures. Others were receiving treatment for less severe injuries. Two police personnel deployed in the area were also hurt.
Administration orders probe into security breach
Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan said the district administration received information about the crash at approximately 1.30 am. Ambulances and other emergency vehicles were dispatched immediately after the incident was reported.
She said police barricades and a checkpoint had been established along the road for Navratri arrangements, raising questions about how the truck managed to enter the restricted stretch.
The administration has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. A team from the Regional Transport Office has been assigned to inspect the truck mechanically and help establish why it veered off course.
Medical teams were also conducting CT scans and X-rays to assess the extent of injuries and determine the treatment required by survivors.
Authorities are expected to examine the vehicle’s condition and reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the fatal collision. The precise reason the truck breached the barricades and descended the slope remains unclear.
Eyewitness describes scenes of devastation
An eyewitness recounted how the truck suddenly entered the area, striking people and nearby shops. He said some victims died at the scene and described the vehicle as overloaded.
The witness also disclosed that his brother had been injured in the crash. The sudden impact left people panicking as rescuers and bystanders attempted to assist those caught beneath or around the vehicle.
The incident occurred while devotees were travelling towards the temple, turning a busy pilgrimage route into an emergency scene in the early hours of the morning.
Anger erupts at post-mortem facility
Tensions rose later at Gwalior’s post-mortem facility as the bodies of the deceased were brought in. Relatives of the victims expressed anger and accused the police and local administration of negligence, questioning how the truck had been allowed to reach the crowded stretch despite the restrictions.
The confrontation prompted authorities to deploy additional police personnel to prevent the situation from escalating and maintain order at the premises.
The tragedy has brought renewed attention to traffic management and safety arrangements on roads leading to religious sites, particularly during periods of heavy pilgrim movement.
Investigators are continuing to establish how the vehicle crossed the barricades and what caused the driver to lose control. The findings of the mechanical inspection and the wider inquiry are expected to help clarify the circumstances behind the deadly crash.
