Gwalior Truck Accident: While the Navratri festival is being celebrated with immense fervour across the country, a tragic accident occurred late on the night of October 18 on the Sheetla Mata Mandir Road in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. According to reports, a truck loaded with paddy broke through police barricades, descended a slope, and struck devotees who were on the road. The tragic incident resulted in 13 deaths, while 33 others have sustained injuries.
The scene was filled with cries and distress; the victims include women and children. The injured have been transported to a hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Following the incident, police arrived at the scene and initiated relief and rescue operations. Preliminary information suggests the truck was from Punjab and was carrying a load of paddy. The driver is reported to have fled the scene.
Suspected Brake Failure
According to reports, the incident took place around 1:00 AM in the Antri police station area. Initial findings point to a possible brake failure. It is reported that the truck, moving at high speed, overturned, striking the devotees present at the location. Several individuals were trapped underneath the vehicle, leading to widespread chaos and panic.
Injured, admitted to trauma centre
Upon receiving news of the accident, police arrived at the site. The injured devotees were taken to the trauma centre at Jayarogya Hospital. Officials state that over 30 people have been injured, with five reported to be in critical condition. Two Home Guard personnel are also among the injured. There are concerns that the death toll may rise. Administration Investigates the Accident
Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan stated, “Barriers and police checkpoints were in place on that road during Navratri. How the vehicle managed to get through is a matter under investigation. We have dispatched an RTO team to conduct a technical inspection of the truck, determine what malfunction occurred, and ascertain why it veered to the left.”
An eyewitness to the incident recounted, “It happened around 1:00 AM. I saw some people die right there. The truck was overloaded. It suddenly arrived at the scene and crushed several shops and people. My brother also suffered injuries in the accident. According to SSP Dharamveer Singh, at approximately 1:30 AM, the truck broke through police barricades, went out of control, and collided with the outer wall and gate of a temple. So far, 13 people have died in the accident, while 39 others have been taken to the hospital.