Gwalior, October 18, 2026: At least 13 devotees were killed and around 40 others injured after a paddy-laden truck reportedly lost control near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, in the early hours of Sunday.
According to reports, the truck broke through police barricades on a steep stretch of road, struck devotees and roadside stalls, and eventually crashed into the temple’s outer wall and entrance gate. The accident occurred while a large number of worshippers had gathered for Saptami-related religious activities.
Accident Occurred Around 1:30 AM
Police said the crash took place at approximately 1:30 am. The truck was travelling from the Chhinor side when it reportedly lost control on a steep road where heavy-vehicle movement is restricted during crowded religious occasions.
The vehicle then moved downhill towards the gathering of devotees, leaving little time for people in its path to escape.
Truck Broke Through Police Barricades
According to preliminary accounts, the truck had been stopped near a police barricade before moving downhill and entering the restricted area.
It struck devotees gathered along the roadside before colliding with the temple’s entrance gate and outer wall. The precise sequence of events remains under investigation.
Around 40 People Injured
Approximately 40 people were reported injured in the accident, with several sustaining serious injuries and fractures.
Emergency teams transported the injured to hospitals across Gwalior, where doctors began treatment and conducted medical assessments. Authorities continued monitoring patients, including those reported to be in critical condition.
Two Police Personnel Also Injured
Two police personnel deployed near the barricades were also injured in the crash. They were taken for medical treatment alongside the devotees.
Temple Entrance and Roadside Stalls Damaged
The impact damaged the temple’s entrance area and several roadside stalls. Reports said around five to six prasad stalls were struck, while part of the gateway structure was also damaged.
The destruction added to the scale of the incident at a time when the area was crowded with worshippers.
Rescue Operations Launched
Police personnel, ambulances and district-administration teams rushed to the scene soon after the accident.
Rescue workers helped remove injured people from the affected area and transported them to nearby hospitals. Authorities also began examining the scene and gathering information about the circumstances leading to the crash.
Mechanical Failure Suspected
A preliminary police assessment suggested that a mechanical failure may have caused the driver to lose control of the truck. However, no final conclusion had been announced.
Investigators are examining possible factors, including the vehicle’s braking system, mechanical condition and speed, to establish what led to the accident.
Heavy Vehicles Restricted on the Road
Police said the road near the temple has a steep gradient and that heavy vehicles are generally restricted from using the stretch during crowded religious occasions.
Investigators are expected to examine why the truck entered the restricted area and whether the required safety arrangements and procedures were followed.
Large Crowd Had Gathered for Religious Activities
A significant number of devotees from Gwalior and nearby districts had gathered near Sheetla Mata Temple for the religious occasion.
The presence of a large crowd and roadside prasad stalls increased the number of people exposed to danger when the truck reportedly lost control.
Prime Minister Announces Compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced ex gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of those killed, according to media reports.
Additional assistance for injured victims is also expected from government authorities.
Death Toll Rose as Reports Were Updated
Initial reports placed the death toll at 12, but subsequent updates raised the figure to 13. Around 40 people were reported injured.
Authorities are continuing to assess the condition of the injured, and casualty figures may change as further information becomes available.
Investigation Underway
Police are examining the truck’s condition, collecting witness statements and reconstructing the events leading up to the collision. Investigators will also determine whether any safety violations occurred and whether the driver, vehicle owner or other parties bear responsibility.
The tragedy has renewed attention on crowd management, heavy-vehicle restrictions and road safety around religious sites during major gatherings.
Source: Gwalior Police, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, NDTV, The Times of India
Supreme News Network
