At least 12 people were killed and more than 25 others injured after a truck lost control and crashed into shops near the Shitla Mata Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, in the early hours of Sunday, 18 October 2026, officials confirmed. The incident occurred around 1:30 am, during the ongoing Navratri festival, when large numbers of devotees had gathered at the temple.

How the Accident Unfolded

According to eyewitnesses, the truck — loaded with sacks of paddy and approaching from the direction of Chinor — went out of control while descending a slope near the main outer gate of the temple, located approximately 18 kilometres from the district headquarters. The vehicle ploughed into shops clustered around the temple gate, causing severe structural damage and destroying multiple two-wheelers parked in the area.

'Approximately 50 people were struck by the vehicle, resulting in at least 12 deaths. More than 25 others, including two police personnel and several children, have sustained injuries,' an official confirmed.

Scene at the Site

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos in the immediate aftermath. 'When I looked around, there was utter chaos and distress. People were screaming and frantically searching for their loved ones. It was heartbreaking to see people trapped beneath the truck,' a local resident said. Shopkeeper Bablu Prajapati said four people from his shop — including his father and two relatives — were injured and are currently receiving hospital treatment.

Police teams rushed to the spot upon receiving news and transported the injured to nearby medical facilities. As of the latest update, five individuals remain in critical condition. The bodies of the deceased have been moved to Jaya Arogya Hospital in Gwalior.

Navratri Timing Raises Questions About Oversight

The tragedy carries a particularly grim dimension given its timing. The Shitla Mata Temple is a major pilgrimage site that draws hundreds of thousands of devotees during Navratri. According to reports, the route near the temple is typically closed to heavy vehicles during the festival period — making the truck's presence on that stretch a critical point of inquiry.

Officials confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine who authorised the vehicle's entry into the restricted zone and where the administrative lapse occurred. Critics at the scene were blunt. 'This is a result of gross negligence by the Gwalior administration. It is a major lapse that led to this tragedy,' a local resident said.

Demands for Compensation and Accountability

Residents and survivors have urged the state government to act swiftly. One local resident demanded that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visit Gwalior and ensure that families of the deceased receive adequate compensation, while the injured are provided free medical treatment. Officials said the probe into the incident is ongoing, with further details awaited.

This incident marks one of the deadliest road accidents in Madhya Pradesh in recent months, and comes at a time of heightened public gatherings across the state for the Navratri celebrations.