At least 14 people were killed and 39 others were taken to hospital after a truck carrying paddy lost control near Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, around 1:30 am on Sunday. The vehicle reportedly descended a steep slope, broke through barricades and a police checkpoint, and ploughed into devotees gathered near the temple during Navratri celebrations.
Following the tragic incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased victim. Those injured in the accident would receive ₹50,000 each.
The death toll rose to 14 on Sunday, Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan confirmed. The deceased included 10 men, two women and two children below the age of 18.
According to Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police Dharmveer Singh, 39 people were admitted to hospitals following the accident, including two police personnel deployed at the site. Both policemen sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment. Three to four victims were reported to be in critical condition, while several others were discharged after receiving initial treatment.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. The state government will provide ₹4 lakh to the family of each deceased person, ₹2 lakh to each seriously injured victim and ₹50,000 to other injured people. The Chief Minister assured that all injured victims would receive free medical treatment.
Yadav directed ministers Aidal Singh Kansana and Rakesh Shukla to visit Gwalior and assist with relief and rescue efforts. Shukla subsequently visited the trauma centre to meet the injured.
The state government is closely monitoring the situation, and a detailed investigation has been initiated to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. Authorities have also promised action against anyone found responsible.
Meanwhile, relatives of the victims alleged delays in rescue operations and questioned the police response, including the time taken to transport the injured to hospitals.
The district administration is investigating how the truck managed to cross the barricades and police checkpoint established for Navratri security arrangements. Collector Ruchika Chauhan said a Regional Transport Office team had been dispatched to conduct a mechanical inspection of the vehicle and determine the cause of the crash.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances leading to the truck losing control, the security arrangements at the site and the response of the authorities following the accident.