At least 12 people were killed and dozens of others injured after a truck crashed into devotees near a temple in India’s central Madhya Pradesh state early Sunday, according to police.
The accident occurred in Gwalior when a truck carrying paddy reportedly lost control while travelling down a steep road before striking the outer wall and entrance gate of the Sheetla Mata Temple.
Senior police official Dharmveer Singh said 39 people were taken to hospital following the incident, including the 12 who died.
Local civil official Ruchika Chauhan said an investigation was underway to establish the circumstances that led to the crash.
Truck Loses Control Near Temple
According to police, the truck was travelling along a steep stretch of road when the driver lost control of the vehicle. It subsequently crashed into the temple’s outer wall and gate, hitting devotees gathered in the area.
Emergency responders transported the injured to hospital for treatment. Authorities had not provided further details about the victims or the condition of those injured in the incident.
Investigators are working to determine the precise cause of the accident.
Second Deadly Religious Gathering in India
The Gwalior tragedy came a day after a separate deadly incident at a religious festival in north Kolkata, where at least 17 people were killed in a stampede, according to Indian media reports.
The incident occurred during Durga Puja, one of the biggest annual Hindu festivals in West Bengal. The celebrations attract large crowds to temporary structures known as pandals, where idols of the goddess Durga are displayed.
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A police statement said the stampede occurred in the evening amid heavy crowds and rainfall.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said 25 people were injured in the incident, while those affected were rescued and taken to hospital.
Eyewitnesses Describe Crowded Conditions
Eyewitnesses said several festivalgoers lost consciousness during the stampede, with some injured people reportedly taken to hospital on motorcycles.
One witness said the pavilion had narrow entrances and exits and lacked adequate lighting, raising concerns about crowd movement and safety arrangements.
Authorities were investigating the circumstances surrounding the stampede as the state dealt with the aftermath of the deadly gathering.
The two incidents have brought renewed attention to public safety at crowded religious sites and events, where large gatherings can increase the risks associated with vehicle accidents and crowd surges.
