The force of the impact sent a section of the gateway wall crashing down, trapping several people under the debris, they added. Twelve people were killed and 29 injured after a truck ran over devotees near Shitala Mata Temple in Gwalior before crashing into the temple’s entrance gate late on Saturday, police said.
Five devotees reportedly sustained grievous injuries and were rushed to different hospitals in Gwalior, while others sustained minor injuries. All deceased are from Gwalior and neighbouring districts. “On the occasion of Saptami, a large crowd from Gwalior and surrounding districts had gathered at the temple late on (Saturday) night. The truck then broke through the barricades and struck the entrance gate after running over devotees and stalls. Rescue teams and police immediately rushed to the spot and pulled out those trapped under the collapsed wall.
Police said five-six prasad stalls were damaged and nearly 41 people were hit in the accident. Earlier reporting noted: At least 12 people have died and several others have been injured after an out-of-control truck crashed into devotees gathered near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior late Saturday night, breaking through a police checkpoint and damaging the temple’s gate and outer wall. Earlier reporting noted: According to Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dharmveer Singh, the incident occurred at around 1:30 AM when a paddy-laden truck travelling from the Chhinor direction lost control on a steep slope where heavy vehicles are restricted.
A preliminary investigation suggested a mechanical failure that caused the driver to lose control, according to Gwalior superintendent of police (SP) Dharamveer Yadav. 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 plowed into roadside stalls and devotees,” he said. District collector Ruchika Chauhan said the injured are being treated with Red Cross funds and all necessary medical assistance is being provided.
Earlier reporting noted: The truck reportedly broke through police barricades before running over pilgrims on the road and crashing into the temple’s outer wall and gate.
