Brief
Families accuse police of negligence after truck hits devotees near Gwalior temple
Relatives of victims claim police arrived four hours after a truck plowed into worshippers near Gwalior's Sheetla Mata Temple, killing at least 14 people.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Families of victims say police failed to reach the scene promptly after a truck loaded with paddy lost control and crashed into Hindu devotees near Gwalior's Sheetla Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh, killing at least 14 people.
What happened
According to police, the accident occurred around 1.30 am on Sunday when the truck descended a steep slope, broke through a barricade and a police checkpoint, and struck pilgrims gathered near the temple's outer wall. The vehicle then hit the gate, running over worshippers. Police Superintendent Dharmveer Singh said 39 people, including two on‑duty police officers, were taken to hospital.
What the reports add
Relatives allege the police did not arrive at the site until 4 am, a four‑hour delay, despite the crash happening shortly after midnight. One woman told ANI her 19‑year‑old son was injured and that police prevented her from taking him for treatment, later bringing him back in an ambulance. Another family member questioned why victims were not taken to hospital immediately, noting the accident happened at 2 am but transport occurred at 4 am.
What was said
"My son would have been 19 years old. The police didn't come to Sheetla for four hours, not even for my little boy," the woman said to ANI. "If the accident happened at 2am, why did you bring him to the hospital at 4am? You should have brought him right away, and the child's life was lost," another relative added. A woman whose daughter was missing claimed police barred her from searching for the child, saying, "Why didn't the cops let us search?"
How it came about
Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan confirmed an investigation is underway to determine how the truck crossed the barricades and checkpoint. The incident follows heightened scrutiny of police response times in India, echoing earlier coverage of police‑related accidents and investigations.
Key facts
- At least 14 people were killed when a truck crashed into devotees near Sheetla Mata Temple. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Police say the accident occurred around 1.30 am on Sunday. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Families allege police arrived at the scene four hours later, at about 4 am. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Thirty‑nine people, including two police officers, were taken to hospital. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “'4-hour delay': Grieving families allege police negligence as India truck crash kills 14”
