Tragedy struck in the early hours of Monday morning in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district, where seven people lost their lives and four others were injured after a speeding truck ploughed into a group of pilgrims. The horrific accident took place at approximately 1.30 am on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway, just as the devotees were making their way on foot from Rajkot to the Bahucharaji temple.
According to Lakhtar police inspector Yogesh Patel, the group was part of a large procession of around 500 pilgrims. As they reached the outskirts of Bhaskarpara village, a recklessly driven truck loaded with cotton approached from behind at high speed. The pilgrims were reportedly attempting to move past a dumper truck parked at the side of the road when the collision occurred. The impact was devastating, killing six people instantly, including four women and the driver of the stationary dumper.
In-charge Superintendent of Police Vedika Bihani confirmed that while most died at the scene, one victim passed away later at a hospital in Viramgam. Of the four survivors, three are being treated for minor injuries, while one individual has been moved to a facility in Rajkot for more specialist care.
The group had intended to stop for the night at Chharad village before continuing their spiritual journey, but the trek was cut short by the driver’s negligence. Although the driver, identified as Aditya Uganiya, initially fled the site of the crash, the police have since confirmed that he is in custody. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the collision are ongoing.
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loss of lives in a road accident in Gujarat and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
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