Truck ploughs into Hindu festival crowd in India, killing 13
The Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency cited hospital officials as saying 13 people had died. — AFP pic
First Published: Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 4:20 PM MYT
NEW DELHI, Oct 18 — A speeding truck in India killed 13 people when it ploughed into a crowd at a Hindu festival, officials said today with President Droupadi Murmu describing the deaths as “heartbreaking”.
The heavily loaded truck reportedly lost control in the early hours today and hit devotees gathered at a temple in Gwalior, in the central state of Madhya Pradesh.
The Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency cited hospital officials as saying 13 people had died.
“I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” Murmu said on social media.
India, with 1.4 billion people, recorded more than 183,000 road traffic deaths in 2025, or over 500 a day, according to the roads ministry.
Many are linked to inadequate road infrastructure, ill-maintained vehicles and exhausted drivers, according to official data. — AFP
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