Surendarnagar: A horrific road accident claimed the lives of seven individuals and left several others battling injuries in the early hours of Monday morning.
The tragedy came to light when a speeding truck lost control and ran over a group of pilgrims walking on the roadside of the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway in Gujarat's Surendranagar district.
The Midnight Horror
The incident took place between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages near Lakhtar at around 1.20 a.m., when a group of foot pilgrims, travelling from Gadhka village in Rajkot towards Viramgam for temple darshan and a flag-hoisting ritual, was hit from behind by a dumper truck.
While seven persons, including five women and two men, were confirmed dead at the scene, several others sustained severe injuries.
According to eyewitnesses, the truck was travelling at high speed and failed to slow down.
The screeching of tyres and the crash alerted locals, who were the first to reach the site and offer assistance before emergency services arrived.
Emergency Response
Upon receiving the alert, a team from the local police station rushed to the spot to coordinate rescue efforts.
The injured were immediately transported to the nearest government hospital for medical treatment.
Medical officials have indicated that some of the survivors are in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could potentially climb.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examinations. Police are currently working to identify all the victims and notify their families.
Investigation Underway
The truck driver reportedly fled the scene after the collision, leaving the vehicle behind. Authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend the driver and have seized the truck for forensic examination.
Residents have frequently raised concerns about inadequate lighting and barriers in high-risk zones where pedestrians and travellers often rest.
As the investigation continues, traffic on the affected stretch has been regulated to prevent further congestion.
Authorities are also checking CCTV footage from nearby toll plazas and establishments to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
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