Seven Pilgrims Killed in Gujarat Highway Accident; PM Modi Calls Incident ‘Deeply Distressing’
New Delhi: Seven pilgrims lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries after they were run over by a speeding truck in an unfortunate road mishap on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway of the Surendranagar district in Gujarat early Monday morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences following the incident.
The incident took place sometime between 1:00 am and 1:30 am near Bhaskarpara village when a dumper truck rammed into the victims from behind. They were members of a religious group commuting to their destination.
Among the fatalities were five women and two men. The deceased were identified as Masabhai Mundhva, Jaluben Mundhva, Raniben Lambariya and Vajiben Mundhva, among others.
In a message shared by the Prime Minister on X, he described the incident as “deeply distressing” and expressed his condolences to the grieving families, while wishing a speedy recovery for those injured.
“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,” the Prime Minister’s office posted on X.
The victims reportedly belonged to the Bharwad community and were part of a larger group of devotees travelling from Rajkot towards a temple for darshan and a religious flag-hoisting ritual.
“A religious group was travelling from Rajkot to Bahucharaji. They took a night halt and then proceeded towards Bahucharaji. A fatal accident occurred on the way involving a truck, in which six people died,” superintendent of Police Vedika Bihani told reporters.
She added that another truck driver, who was present at the spot near the halted vehicles, also died in the incident, taking the death toll to seven.
The incident is yet another reminder of persistent problems associated with highway safety and the vulnerability of pedestrians and pilgrims on Indian roads, despite constant calls for greater enforcement and responsibility against the reckless operation of speeding trucks.
Eyewitnesses said the truck was moving at high speed and failed to slow down, ramming into the group. One eyewitness said a vehicle was stationary on the roadside, possibly changing tyres, and the pilgrims were walking beside the road when “another truck came without braking and ran over the people.”
Three to four people sustained injuries in the accident and were taken to nearby hospitals in private vehicles, while the post-mortem examinations of the deceased are underway.
The driver of the truck responsible for the accident fled the scene, and efforts are underway to trace him. Further investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The tragic event garnered widespread attention, with leaders expressing condolences and raising renewed questions about road safety measures on highways frequented by pedestrians and pilgrims.
(DD news)
