Gwalior: 12 killed as truck mows down devotees near temple

In Madhya Pradesh, at least 12 people lost their lives and more than 30 others were injured after a truck lost control and crushed devotees near a temple in Gwalior, said officials on Sunday.  The incident happened near the Sheetla Mata Temple around 1.30 am when a paddy-laden truck broke a police checkpoint after losing control and direction on a steep slope before crashing into the gate and outer wall of the temple. Briefing the reporters about the incident, Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dharmveer Singh Yadav said a large gathering of people were present at the temple due to the Navratri season when the incident occurred. He pointed out that the slope was restricted for heavy vehicles.

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh: SSP Dharmveer Singh Yadav says, "This is a very tragic incident. Pilgrims were going to visit the Sheetla Mata Temple, and heavy traffic was restricted from the slope coming from the Chinor side. Around 1.30 AM, a heavily loaded paddy truck became uncontrolled for some reason, came down the slope, and stopped after colliding with a wall. Many pilgrims walking on the road to visit the temple were injured as a result of being hit by it. Two police personnel on duty were also injured. According to the information received so far, 12 people have died..."

— IANS (@ians_india) October 17, 2026

Five devotees reportedly sustained grievous injuries and were rushed to different hospitals in Gwalior, while others sustained minor injuries. All deceased are from Gwalior and neighbouring districts.
Police said five-six stalls were damaged and nearly 41 people were hit in the accident. Rescue teams and police immediately rushed to the spot and pulled out those trapped under the collapsed wall. An eyewitness has blamed the administration for the incident over how the truck was allowed through the checkpoint. He said the truck had appeared suddenly before losing control and killing the 12 people.

VIDEO | Madhya Pradesh: Several dead, many injured after truck runs over group of devotees near Sheetla Mata temple in Gwalior. (Source: Third Party) (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) https://t.co/Ovvtd6fjJk

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 18, 2026

Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan, who visited the hospital where the injured were admitted, has taken cognisance of the incident and ordered a probe over how the truck crossed the checkpoint, leading to the incident. She said the administration will ensure that the victims are provided with adequate assistance.