At least 12 devotees were killed after an out-of-control truck ploughed into a crowd near the Shitla Mata temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. The tragic incident occurred around 1:30 AM on Sunday (October 18).

Several other pilgrims sustained injuries in the crash, with a few remaining in critical condition.

According to media report NDTV, the truck rammed through a police checkpost before crashing into the temple's outer wall and gate. The impact left 12 dead and damaged the temple's exterior infrastructure.

Gwalior Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dharmveer Singh stated that the incident took place around 1:30 AM when a grain-laden truck coming from the direction of Chinnor lost control on a downward slope. The vehicle broke through police barricades, ran over devotees gathered outside the temple, and slammed into the outer wall and main gate.

Two police officers deployed for temple security were also among the injured. They are currently receiving medical treatment alongside the other victims.

SSP Dharmveer Singh added that 39 individuals were rushed to the hospital following the accident, where 12 were declared dead. Five to six people suffered severe injuries, while others sustained minor wounds.

The sudden and horrific crash triggered chaos and heartbreaking scenes at the site.

According to NDTV, all the deceased were devotees who had arrived at the temple as part of a large pilgrimage group.