Sabarkantha, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
One pilgrim was killed and 11 others injured after a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly rammed into a group of devotees walking along a four-lane highway near Himmatnagar in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district on Monday. The incident triggered anger among locals, who later set the vehicle on fire.
The accident occurred near the Dolgarh-Patiya highway intersection when the pilgrims, who were travelling on foot towards the Ambaji temple, were struck by the SUV.
Police said the injured were rushed to a hospital, where one of them later succumbed to injuries.
Sabarkantha Superintendent of Police Dr Parthrajsinh Gohil said the driver had been identified as Bharat Patel, who was travelling towards his village when the accident occurred.
“Around 12 people have sustained injuries, of which one person has died while receiving treatment. Currently, the driver has been detained, and further investigation is going on. An FIR is also being registered against him,” Gohil said.
The SP said preliminary information indicated that the SUV was travelling at high speed, while the exact circumstances leading to the collision were being investigated.
Following the crash, the driver allegedly attempted to leave the spot before being intercepted by an angry crowd. Videos from the scene showed people surrounding the SUV and hitting its bonnet and windows with sticks before setting it ablaze.
The vehicle was subsequently engulfed in flames, sending thick smoke across the highway. Police teams were deployed to the area to control the situation and investigate the incident. Personnel from nearby districts were also being mobilised as a large crowd gathered at the spot.
Some locals alleged that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. A video purportedly recorded inside the vehicle appeared to show an empty alcohol bottle. However, police have not confirmed whether the driver was intoxicated, and the matter remains part of the investigation.
Gujarat has prohibition laws restricting the possession and consumption of alcohol.
The injured were among devotees travelling towards the Ambaji temple ahead of the annual pilgrimage season. Large numbers of devotees traditionally undertake the journey on foot from different parts of Gujarat, with authorities expecting around 40 lakh visitors this year.
Police said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.
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