– Advertisement –
New Delhi, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a road accident near the Shitla Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for those injured.
Fourteen people were killed and 27 injured after a truck rammed into shops near the temple early Sunday. The accident occurred around 1:30 am when the truck reportedly lost control while descending a slope near the historic Shitla Mata Temple, located around 18 kilometers from the district headquarters.
Taking to X, Gandhi described the incident as “extremely heartbreaking”.
“The news of the deaths of several devotees in a horrific accident caused by an out-of-control truck near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, is extremely heartbreaking,” he said.
“I express my deepest condolences to the grieving families who have lost their loved ones in this accident. I stand with them in this hour of sorrow. I hope for the swift recovery of the injured,” he added.
Meanwhile, relatives of those killed gathered outside the post-mortem facility on Sunday and expressed anger over what they alleged was the administration's failure to ensure proper traffic management amid the heavy influx of devotees during the Navratri festival.
The grieving families assembled in large numbers, questioning the district administration's arrangements and demanding accountability for the tragedy.
The accident has sparked widespread anger among local residents, with questions being raised about traffic regulation and public safety during the festival. Residents have demanded strict action against anyone found responsible for lapses that may have contributed to the incident.
The tragedy occurred during Navratri, when large numbers of devotees visit the historic Shitla Mata Temple. The road passing by the temple is typically closed to heavy vehicles during this period, prompting an investigation into how the truck was allowed to enter the area.
Officials said they were investigating who authorized the truck's entry and whether negligence contributed to the accident.
The victims' families have also questioned why the movement of heavy vehicles was not prohibited in the vicinity of the temple during the festival.