Gwalior, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
At least 12 people were killed and more than 25 injured after a truck rammed into shops near the historic Shitla Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district early Sunday, officials said.
The accident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. when the truck reportedly lost control while descending a slope near the temple, located around 18 kilometres from the district headquarters.
“Approximately 50 people were struck by the vehicle, resulting in at least 12 deaths. More than 25 others, including two police personnel and several children, have sustained injuries,” an official said.
According to eyewitnesses, the truck was carrying sacks of paddy when it went out of control while descending the hill and crashed into shops near the temple.
“The truck, approaching from the direction of Chinor, went out of control while descending the slope near the main outer gate of the temple and ploughed into the shops situated around the gate. The impact caused significant damage to several shops and destroyed multiple two-wheeled vehicles,” an eyewitness told IANS.
Police teams rushed to the spot after receiving information about the accident and shifted the injured to hospitals. Around five people were reported to be in critical condition. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Jaya Arogya Hospital in Gwalior.
A local resident described scenes of chaos and distress at the site, saying people were screaming and searching desperately for their loved ones, while some victims were trapped beneath the truck. The resident alleged negligence on the part of the Gwalior administration and called for accountability.
Expressing anguish over the tragedy, the resident appealed to the government and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to visit Gwalior, provide compensation to the families of those killed and ensure free medical treatment for the injured.
Shopkeeper Bablu Prajapati said four people present at his shop, including two relatives who were visiting, were injured in the accident. All four were undergoing treatment at a hospital, he said.
The accident occurred during Navratri, when large numbers of devotees visit the historic Shitla Mata Temple. The route near the temple is typically closed to heavy vehicles during the festival period.
Officials said an investigation was underway to establish who authorised the truck’s entry into the area and whether any negligence contributed to the tragedy. Further details are awaited.
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