Speeding Truck Mows Down Devotees Heading to Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior, India; 12 Killed and Over 40 Injured During Navratri Procession
NEW DELHI : A truck loaded with paddy, flying past the crowd, crashed and killed a minimum of 12 individuals and severely injured more than 40 worshipers as they were making their way to a temple in Gwalior, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
The victims, as per Indian media reports, were on their way to the Sheetla Mata temple to pray on the auspicious day of Navratri when the out-of-control vehicle suddenly mowed down the crowd. The incident sparked an emergency response, with police and fire crews swiftly arriving at the scene to take the injured to nearby hospitals for prompt medical care.
The incident took place on Sheetlamata Mandir Road in the early hours with the heavy vehicle driver reportedly losing control and killing some pedestrians as well as shops on the side of the road.
Medical Response: Hospital staff at local hospitals reported several wounded persons are in critical condition and fears are mounting for the possibility of many more casualties.Authorities’ Action: Local police blocked the road to keep the mob in check and opened an official inquiry into the absconding driver and anyone else involved.