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A truck crashes into the entrance area of Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior, leaving at least 15 devotees dead and dozens injured. (Img: X)
Gwalior: A religious visit turned into a tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior after a truck loaded with paddy ran into devotees near the Sheetla Mata Temple in the early hours of Sunday. At least 15 people have been reported dead, while around 39 to 40 others were injured, according to police and media reports. Several injured people are in critical condition.
The accident occurred at around 1.30 am on the road leading to the temple from the Chhinor side, where large numbers of devotees had gathered during Navratri. The truck reportedly lost control while descending a steep slope, struck people gathered along the roadside and crashed into the temple’s outer wall and entrance gate.
The incident triggered panic in the area, with devotees and local residents rushing to help those trapped beneath the vehicle and damaged structures. Police, ambulances and emergency teams reached the spot and began rescue operations. The injured were taken to hospitals in Gwalior for treatment.
According to preliminary information provided by police officials, the truck was carrying a load of paddy and had approached the temple from the Chhinor side. Heavy vehicles are restricted on the steep stretch near the temple, particularly during periods of heavy pilgrim movement.
Police personnel were deployed at a checkpoint, and barricades had reportedly been installed to control vehicle movement during Navratri. However, the truck moved past the barricades, lost control on the slope and entered the crowded area.
The vehicle ran over devotees walking or waiting near the temple and struck roadside shops before crashing into the outer gate and wall. The impact damaged several structures and reportedly affected multiple shops selling prasad and other items to pilgrims.
Two police personnel deployed in the area were also injured in the accident. Rescue teams worked to remove injured people from beneath the truck and the damaged structures before shifting them to hospitals.
The exact sequence of events, including how the truck crossed the barricades and entered the restricted stretch, remains under investigation. Officials are examining whether a mechanical fault, loss of control on the slope or other factors contributed to the crash.
Gwalior Superintendent of Police Dharamvir Yadav said that dozens of people were affected by the accident and that several injured victims required urgent medical attention. Early reports put the number of people taken to hospital at around 39, with five to six patients reportedly suffering critical injuries, including fractures.
Gwalior District Collector Ruchika Chauhan said the administration received information about the accident at around 1.30 am and immediately dispatched ambulances and other emergency vehicles to the site.
Doctors are conducting medical examinations, including X-rays and CT scans where required, to assess the extent of injuries and decide on further treatment. The administration has also arranged medical assistance for the injured.
A team from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has been asked to inspect the truck mechanically. The inspection is intended to establish the vehicle’s condition and determine why it reportedly veered out of control on the road.
Authorities are also examining the circumstances under which the truck entered a stretch where heavy vehicles were restricted. The investigation will look into the barricades, checkpoint arrangements, vehicle movement and any possible lapses in the enforcement of traffic restrictions.
Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of panic and confusion after the truck suddenly entered the crowded area. People reportedly had little time to move away as the vehicle struck devotees and roadside shops. One witness said the truck appeared to be overloaded and had hit people and shops. The witness also reported that a family member had been injured in the accident.
The incident has raised questions about crowd safety and traffic management around the temple, especially during major religious festivals. Local residents and eyewitnesses have questioned how a heavy vehicle could reach an area where large crowds of devotees had gathered despite the reported restrictions and police barricades.
The accident occurred during Navratri, when large numbers of pilgrims visit the historic Sheetla Mata Temple to offer prayers. The temple, situated around 18 kilometres from Gwalior’s district headquarters, attracts devotees from the city and nearby areas.
With heavy vehicle movement reportedly restricted on the approach road during the festival, investigators are examining who permitted the truck to enter the stretch and whether the existing security arrangements were adequate.
No final conclusion about negligence or individual responsibility has been established so far. The mechanical inspection and police investigation are expected to help clarify the sequence of events and identify any possible violations.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about road safety near crowded religious sites, particularly during festivals when pedestrian traffic increases sharply. The findings of the investigation will be important in determining how the accident occurred and what measures may be needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
