'Heartbreaking Incident': PM Modi Mourns Loss of 7 Pilgrims in Gujarat Tragedy
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Surendranagar/New Delhi, April 13 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his heartfelt condolences on Monday following a tragic road incident in Gujarat's Surendranagar district, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals from a group of pilgrims during the early hours.
“The incident in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, is profoundly upsetting. I extend my deepest sympathies to those mourning their loved ones. My thoughts are with the injured for a swift recovery,” PM Modi remarked in a post on X.
The collision occurred at approximately 1:20 a.m. on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway, between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages, where a speeding dumper truck struck a group of foot pilgrims from behind, as reported by officials.
The victims were from the Bharwad community and were journeying from Gadhka village in Rajkot district to Viramgam for a temple visit and flag-hoisting ceremony.
Authorities stated that the group was part of a larger gathering of around 700 devotees participating in the pilgrimage.
The deceased belonged to the Mundhva family. Tragically, seven individuals, which included five women and two men, perished at the scene.
The victims included 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 some reports suggesting that as many as 10 to 12 pilgrims could have been affected by this incident.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the truck was speeding and did not apply brakes.
One witness recounted that a vehicle had stopped on the roadside, likely for a tire change, while the pilgrims walked along the side when “another truck approached without braking and drove over them.”
Emergency services, including the 108 ambulance team, arrived swiftly at the scene and transported the victims to a local government hospital for post-mortem examinations and medical treatment.
A case has been filed against the truck driver, who fled the scene, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances of the collision.