In an unfortunate incident, seven pilgrims were killed and several others injured after a speeding truck ran over them on the Lakhtar-Viramgam Highway in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district. The group was travelling on foot from Gadhka village in Rajkot to a temple in Dekawala.
Truck Accident Claims 7 Lives On Gujarat Highway
According to NDTV, on Sunday night, a speeding truck rammed into 10 people from behind on Gujarat’s Lakhtar-Viramgam Highway, killing seven and injuring the others. The incident took place near Bhaskarpara in Surendranagar, where the group was attempting to pass a stationary dumper parked on the roadside due to a tyre change. It was at this moment that the truck struck them from behind.
As per the report, six people died on the spot due to the impact. Passers-by alerted the police, who reached the scene shortly after. The dumper driver, who was also hit, later succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital in Viramgam. Authorities, reportedly, had to use shovels to collect parts of the victims’ remains.
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PM Modi Extends Condolences To Victims’ Families
The accident occurred around 1:20 am on the Gujarat highway between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages. According to Mid-Day, the pilgrims were on their way to Viramgam for temple darshan and a flag-hoisting ritual. The victims belonged to the Mundhva family and were part of a larger group of nearly 700 devotees on the pilgrimage. Seven people, five women and two men, died on the spot. The deceased included Masabhai Mundhva, Jaluben Mundhva, Raniben Lambariya and Vajiben Mundhva, among others.
Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and said, “The mishap in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, is deeply distressing. Heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
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Our condolences to the families of the victims.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/siedemczwartych (representative image)