Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Pilgrims in Gujarat

Fatal Incident on Lakhtar-Viramgam Highway

Surendranagar, April 13: In a heartbreaking 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 approximately 700 devotees participating in the pilgrimage.

Among the deceased were five women and two men, all of whom died at the scene.

The identified victims include Masabhai Mundhva, Jaluben Mundhva, Raniben Lambariya, and Vajiben Mundhva, among others.

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

Eyewitnesses reported that the truck was speeding and did not attempt to brake.

One witness recounted that a vehicle was stopped on the roadside, likely for a tire change, while the pilgrims were walking nearby when another truck approached without slowing down and struck them.

The collision was devastating, resulting in bodies scattered 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 further stated, “At around 1:20 a.m., the accident occurred. Nine individuals 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.

A case has been filed against the truck driver, who fled the scene, and investigations are ongoing.

Local MLA P.K. Parmar, who visited the accident site, noted that the group had set out after prayers and was en route to Viramgam and subsequently to Mera village.

Residents have raised concerns about the frequency of accidents on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway, citing issues with speeding vehicles and road safety in the area.