Runaway truck ploughs into temple devotees in Madhya Pradesh, 12 killed

A devastating accident claimed at least 12 lives in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, when a truck laden with rice rammed into a group of devotees proceeding to Shitala Mata temple. The incident occurred after the vehicle broke through police barricades positioned at the temple approach. According to SSP Dharmaveer Singh, the truck subsequently collided with the temple's outer wall and main gate as it careened out of control. The impact left 39 people injured, with emergency services rushed to the scene to provide medical assistance. The exact circumstances leading to the loss of control remain under investigation as authorities piece together the sequence of events. Local police have cordoned off the area as they collect evidence and gather statements from eyewitnesses. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at religious sites during peak pilgrimage periods, particularly regarding vehicle access and crowd management protocols.