Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Pilgrims in Gujarat: What Happened?

A tragic accident on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway in Gujarat has resulted in the deaths of seven pilgrims from the Bharwad community. The incident occurred early Monday morning when a speeding truck collided with a group of foot pilgrims. Eyewitnesses reported that the truck failed to brake, leading to a devastating impact. Among the deceased were members of the Mundhva family, who were part of a larger group of devotees on their way to a temple ceremony. Emergency services responded quickly, but the incident has raised serious concerns about road safety in the area. Investigations are ongoing as authorities search for the driver who fled the scene.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 13, 2026, 12:11 IST

Fatal Incident on Lakhtar-Viramgam Highway

Surendranagar: In a devastating incident, seven individuals from the Bharwad community lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries when a speeding truck struck them on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway in Gujarat's Surendranagar district early Monday morning.

The tragic event occurred around 1:20 a.m. between the villages of Chharad and Bhaskarpara, as a group of foot pilgrims journeying from Gadhka village in Rajkot to Viramgam for a temple visit and flag-hoisting ceremony were hit from behind by a dumper truck.

The victims were part of the Mundhva family and included a larger assembly of approximately 700 devotees participating in the pilgrimage.

The collision resulted in the immediate deaths of seven individuals, comprising five women and two men.

Identities of the deceased include Masabhai Mundhva, Jaluben Mundhva, Raniben Lambariya, and Vajiben Mundhva, among others.

At least four individuals suffered serious injuries and were transported to a hospital, with reports suggesting that between 10 to 12 pilgrims may have been impacted.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the truck was speeding and did not attempt to brake.

One witness recounted that a vehicle was stationary on the roadside, likely due to a tire change, while the pilgrims walked alongside when 'another truck came without braking and ran over the people.'

The force of the collision was intense, scattering bodies across the highway.

A relative of the victims shared, 'We had a muhurat at 8 a.m. to hoist the flag, so we were walking even at night.'

He continued, 'Around 1:20 a.m., the accident occurred. Nine people were hit, and seven died. One was my elder uncle’s son, one was my sister, and two were our daughters-in-law.'

Emergency services, including the 108 ambulance team, arrived promptly to transport the victims to the local government hospital for post-mortem examinations and medical care.

Authorities have filed a case against the truck driver, who fled the scene, and an investigation is currently in progress.

Local MLA P.K. Parmar visited the site and noted that the group had set out after offering prayers, heading towards Viramgam and subsequently Mera village.

The Lakhtar-Viramgam highway has seen a rise in accidents recently, prompting local residents to express concerns regarding speeding vehicles and road safety in the area.