The victims were part of a group travelling on foot as part of a religious journey (Img: Internet)
Surendranagar: At least seven pilgrims lost their lives after a speeding truck ran over them on the Gujarat's Lakhtar-Viramgam highway in Surendranagar district in the early hours of Monday. The victims were part of a group travelling on foot as part of a religious journey.
The incident occurred near Lakhtar, between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages, at around 1:20 a.m. The group was walking along the roadside from Gadhka village in Rajkot towards Viramgam for temple visits and a flag-hoisting ceremony scheduled later that morning.
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All seven deceased belonged to the Mundhva family. The victims included five women and two men. They were part of a larger group of nearly 700 devotees undertaking the journey together.
At least four people were seriously injured and admitted to a nearby government hospital. Some reports suggest that up to 10-12 people may have been affected in the crash. Emergency services, including the 108 ambulance team, responded quickly and transported the injured for treatment.
Eyewitnesses said the truck was moving at high speed and failed to slow down. One account indicated that a vehicle had stopped on the roadside, possibly due to a tyre issue, when the truck approached from behind and ran into the group without braking. The impact was severe.
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Police have registered a case against the truck driver, who fled the scene after the accident. A search is underway, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Local MLA P.K. Parmar, who visited the site, said the group had started their journey after offering prayers and was heading towards Viramgam and nearby villages. The Lakhtar-Viramgam highway has seen several accidents in recent months, raising concerns over speeding vehicles and road safety enforcement.
