Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh: At least 12 people have died and several others have been injured after an out-of-control truck carrying paddy crashed into devotees near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior late Saturday night. The truck reportedly broke through a police checkpoint before running over pilgrims and damaging the temple’s gate and outer wall.

According to Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dharmveer Singh, the accident occurred at around 1:30 AM when the truck, travelling from the Chhinor direction, lost control on a steep slope where heavy vehicles are restricted. The truck allegedly broke through police barricades and descended the slope before ploughing into devotees gathered on the road near the temple. It subsequently crashed into the temple’s outer wall and gate.

SSP Dharmveer Singh said 39 people had been taken to hospital following the accident, of whom 12 died. Five to six injured people were reported to be in critical condition, while others sustained minor injuries and were receiving treatment. Two police personnel who were on duty at the spot were also injured in the incident.

Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan said ambulances and other emergency vehicles were dispatched after authorities received information about the accident. She also stated that 29 people had sustained injuries. Emergency teams rushed to the scene to assist the injured and transport them to nearby hospitals.

The incident occurred amid a gathering of devotees travelling to Sheetla Mata Temple. The truck’s alleged breach of the police barricades and its loss of control on the restricted slope have raised concerns over traffic regulation and public safety near the religious site. Authorities are assessing the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Further details regarding the victims’ identities and the condition of those receiving treatment are awaited.