Gwalior temple accident: 12 dead after truck runs over devotees near Sheetla Mata Temple

At least 12 people were killed and 27 others injured after a heavy truck loaded with paddy lost control, broke through police barricades, and ran over devotees near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior early on Sunday morning.

District authorities and emergency teams mobilized immediate relief operations following the crash around 1:30 AM, dispatching a fleet of ambulances to transport victims to medical facilities across Gwalior.

How the incident occurred

The truck was travelling down a steep slope from the direction of Chhinor, a route where heavy commercial traffic is strictly restricted. The vehicle failed to stop at a police checkpoint, broke through security stoppers, and veered off the road into roadside stalls and crowds of pilgrims before slamming into the temple outer wall and entry gate.

Two police personnel deployed at the checkpoint for festival duty were among those injured in the crash.

Administration response and casualty details

Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police Dharmveer Singh confirmed that 39 people in total were brought to the hospital. Medical personnel confirmed 12 deaths upon arrival or during emergency care, while five to six patients remain in critical condition with severe fractures.

Gwalior District Collector Ruchika Chauhan said emergency services responded instantly upon receiving the first alert. Medical teams were directed to conduct immediate CT scans, X-rays, and specialized surgical interventions for the severely wounded.

Investigation underway

State authorities have ordered a thorough inquiry to determine how the heavy commercial vehicle entered the restricted zone during peak Navratri pilgrimage hours.

A mechanical inspection team from the Regional Transport Office has been deployed to examine the truck's braking system and steering apparatus to check for mechanical failure. Police have simultaneously registered a case to establish whether driver error, overloading, or mechanical failure caused the crash.