Gwalior, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The death toll in a tragic road accident near the historic Shitla Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district rose to 14 on Sunday, with 27 people injured after a truck rammed into shops during the early hours of the day. The victims’ families gathered outside the post-mortem house, alleging negligence by the administration in managing traffic during the heavy rush of devotees for the Navratri festival.
The accident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. when the truck reportedly lost control while descending a slope near the temple, located about 18 kilometres from the district headquarters.
A large number of relatives of the deceased assembled outside the post-mortem house, questioning the district administration’s arrangements and demanding accountability for the tragedy.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dharamveer Singh Yadav reached the spot to meet the grieving families. However, amid intense protests and mounting anger, he had to leave under heavy security without being able to speak with the agitated relatives.
The deceased have been identified as Satendra Singh Gurjar (22), Sarla Tomar (50), Gaurav Parihar (18), Mahesh Sharma (45), Vimlesh (18), Devesh Baghel (17), Prince alias Chhote Jatav (16), Shaurya Sharma (15), Hemant Rathore, Divyansh Kushwah (17) and Pawan Rathore (23).
Officials said efforts were underway to establish the identities of three other victims.
The tragedy has sparked widespread anger among residents, with questions being raised over the police administration’s handling of traffic regulation and public safety during the festival. Residents have demanded strict action against those found responsible for any lapses that may have contributed to the accident.
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. An investigation is therefore underway to determine who authorised the truck’s entry and whether negligence in traffic management contributed to the incident.
The victims’ families have questioned how a truck was allowed to enter the area despite the restrictions reportedly in place during the festival.
Kiran, the mother of deceased Gaurav, alleged that her son’s death was the result of negligence by the authorities. Speaking to IANS, she said, “My 14-year-old son had gone to the Sheetla Temple, where he was crushed under a truck. The incident took place at midnight, but the police did not arrive at the scene until 4:00 a.m.”
“My son was still breathing when he was brought to the hospital, yet the police sent him for a post-mortem. We had managed to leave and were taking him to a private hospital, but the police intercepted us near the bus stand and forced us to turn back. Because of this, my son died,” she added.
Asha, the mother of deceased Surendra, also accused the authorities of giving her misleading information about her son’s condition and preventing her from meeting him while he was reportedly receiving treatment.
“When I went there, they did not even let me meet my child. They told me he was fine and receiving treatment, and asked me to wait. In the morning, they dropped me home and again said my child was fine. Then I received a call saying he had died. They did not even show me his face. My two daughters are sitting here, and I have no one else. The police administration gave us false information,” she told IANS.
Meanwhile, Ashok Kushwah, the father of deceased Divyansh Kushwah, demanded strict action against officials responsible for the alleged lapses in security and traffic arrangements near the temple.
“My son, Divyansh Kushwah, left home around 9 p.m. to visit the temple and said he would return by 5 a.m. My nephew Ajit Kushwah, his wife and my younger daughter Muskan had also gone with him. The police administration had imposed strict restrictions, and even two-wheelers were not allowed to pass. How did they allow such a large vehicle to pass through and crush the children? We demand the suspension of the senior police officers responsible. What kind of arrangements were made that allowed a large vehicle to pass and kill these children?” Ashok told IANS.
The grieving families have called for accountability and strict action against those found responsible. The investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances under which the truck entered the temple area during the Navratri rush.
Officials said the probe was underway and further details were awaited.
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