Truck hits pilgrims near Gwalior temple, at least 12 dead

A paddy-laden truck struck pilgrims near Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior early October 18, killing at least 12 people, according to the city’s senior police officer. The vehicle also hit the temple’s outer wall and gate, and two police personnel were injured. Senior Superintendent of Police Dharmveer Singh said 39 people had been taken to hospital after the crash, including five or six who were critically injured. His figures were an early tally. Collector Ruchika Chauhan gave an earlier account of 11 deaths and 29 people injured. Another report cited police officials as saying 13 people had died and 26 were injured. Authorities had not supplied a final casualty count in the reports. Singh said the truck was traveling from the Chhinor direction on a steep stretch where heavy vehicles are restricted. It had been stopped near police barricades before breaking through and losing control, he said. The truck then struck people on the road before crashing into the temple boundary. Chauhan said ambulances and other emergency vehicles were sent after authorities received information about the crash. She said a checkpoint and stopper had been installed on the road during Navratri, and...