Twelve individuals lost their lives and over 25 sustained injuries, including two police personnel and several children, when a truck careened into shops adjacent to the Shitla Mata Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, early Sunday morning. The devastating incident occurred around 1:30 a.m., approximately one kilometer from the district headquarters.
Officials reported that the truck, laden with sacks of paddy, lost control while descending a slope near the historic temple's main outer gate. It then ploughed into multiple shops lining the area, striking an estimated 50 people. The impact severely damaged several commercial establishments and destroyed numerous two-wheeled vehicles.
Five of the injured remain in critical condition. Following the accident, police teams swiftly arrived at the scene, transporting the injured to hospitals. The bodies of the deceased have been moved to Jaya Arogya Hospital in Gwalior.
An eyewitness told IANS that the truck, approaching from the direction of Chinor, became uncontrollable on the descent before crashing into the shops. A local resident, speaking to IANS, described the immediate aftermath as 'utter chaos and distress,' with people screaming and frantically searching for loved ones. The local critically attributed the tragedy to 'gross negligence by the Gwalior administration,' calling it a 'major lapse' that shook their faith in the sacred site, especially during Navratri. They demanded that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visit Gwalior, ensure compensation for the deceased's families, and provide free medical treatment for the injured.
Shopkeeper Bablu Prajapati shared that his establishment, managed by his father, was impacted. Four individuals connected to his shop, including his father and two visiting relatives, sustained injuries and are currently receiving hospital care.
The tragedy unfolded during the auspicious Navratri festival, a period when hundreds of thousands of devotees typically visit the Shitla Mata Temple. Significantly, the route past the temple is usually restricted to large vehicles during this time. Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain who authorized the truck's entry into the restricted zone and whose negligence contributed to the fatal incident. Further details are anticipated as the probe continues.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean News