Gwalior truck crash: 13 killed as speeding truck ploughs into devotees at Madhya Pradesh temple festival

Thirteen people were killed when a speeding, heavily loaded truck ploughed into a crowd of devotees at a temple festival in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, in central India, in the early hours of Sunday 18 October, hospital officials told the Press Trust of India, Dawn reported via AFP.

The truck reportedly lost control before hitting the crowd. Several people were injured; officials have not yet given a number, and the cause of the loss of control has not been stated.

Reaction

Indian President Droupadi Murmu called the deaths "heartbreaking" and sent condolences to the families. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also expressed sorrow and wished the injured a quick recovery.

Second deadly festival incident in two days

The crash came a day after a crush outside a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata killed at least 17 people and injured 25, when rain sent crowds running for shelter (our story).

India's roads are among the world's deadliest. The roads ministry recorded more than 183,000 road deaths in 2025, according to the report.

Road safety at home

Pakistan has the same problem with heavy vehicles in crowded places. Lahore's traffic police announced on Sunday that cases will be registered against trucks and other heavy vehicles entering the city during banned daytime hours (details). If you drive long distances, our fuel cost calculator helps plan a trip without rushing it.