14 killed, 27 injured as truck rams shops near temple in MP
Gwalior: At least 14 people were killed and 27 injured after a truck carrying paddy sacks ploughed into shops near the Shitala Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district early Sunday.
The vehicle reportedly lost control while negotiating a downhill stretch near the temple’s main gate around 1.30 am, striking people in the vicinity and damaging several shops and two-wheelers. The temple is located about 18 km from Gwalior city.
The injured include two police personnel and several children. Five people were initially reported to be in critical condition. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Jaya Arogya Hospital in Gwalior.
Police teams rushed to the scene after receiving information about the accident and arranged for the injured to be taken to hospital.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of those killed in the accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased person. The injured will receive Rs 50,000 each, according to the Prime Minister's Office.
The tragedy occurred during Navratri, when large numbers of devotees visit the historic temple. Heavy vehicles are generally barred from the route during the festival, prompting questions about how the truck was permitted to enter the area.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including possible lapses in enforcing traffic restrictions. Further details are awaited as the probe continues.
With IANS inputs