In Madhya Pradesh, twelve people were killed and 39 others injured after an out-of-control truck crashed into the outer wall of the Sheetla Mata Temple on Chinaur Road in Gwalior last night. The vehicle reportedly broke through police barricades, rolled down a steep slope and ploughed into devotees gathered on the road, crushing several pilgrims before coming to a halt.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dharmveer Singh Yadav, the accident occurred at around 1.30 AM when a truck loaded with paddy went out of control, hit devotees heading towards the Sheetla Mata Temple and crashed into the temple wall. The impact of the collision also caused the temple wall to collapse, triggering panic at the spot. Police and local residents rushed to the scene, rescued the injured and shifted them to nearby hospitals for treatment. Two police personnel who were on duty at the spot were also injured and are undergoing treatment in the hospital.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan have expressed condolences on the loss of life in a road accident in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. In a social media post, the President has prayed for the swift recovery of those injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief at the mishap. Mr Modi has announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh rupees from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives and fifty thousand rupees for those injured.
