Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 18 October 2026, expressed grief over the deaths of 12 people in a road accident near Shitla Mata Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and announced ex-gratia payments from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the families of the deceased and injured. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Sunday during the ongoing Navratri festival, when the temple draws hundreds of thousands of devotees.

What Happened

At approximately 1:30 am on Sunday, a truck loaded with sacks of paddy lost control while descending a slope near the historic Shitla Mata Temple, located 18 kilometres from the Gwalior district headquarters. The vehicle ploughed into shops lining the route, striking approximately 50 people in the process. At least 12 died on the spot or shortly after, while more than 25 others — including two police personnel and several children — sustained injuries. About five individuals remain in critical condition, according to officials. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Jaya Arogya Hospital in Gwalior.

PM Modi's Response and Financial Aid

In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said: 'Distressed to learn about the loss of lives due to a mishap in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.' The PMO further announced that an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF would be paid to the next of kin of each person killed, while the injured would receive ₹50,000 each.

The Navratri Factor and Questions of Negligence

The accident has drawn particular attention because the route near the temple is typically closed to large vehicles during the Navratri festival period, when pilgrim footfall surges dramatically. Officials confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine who authorised the truck's entry into the restricted zone and whose negligence led to the tragedy. Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was travelling downhill at speed when it lost control, crashing into the roadside shops where devotees had gathered.

Rescue and Investigation

Police teams reached the scene shortly after receiving the alert and transported the injured to nearby hospitals. The state administration has stated that authorities are probing the authorisation chain that permitted the heavy vehicle onto a route that should have been off-limits. Further details of the investigation are awaited.

As the death toll stands at 12 and five remain critical, the focus now shifts to accountability — and whether festival-season traffic protocols around one of Madhya Pradesh's most visited temples were adequately enforced.