Surendranagar : Seven killed on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway in Surendranagar of Gujarat when a speeding truck ran over the pilgrims on a roadside in the early hours of Monday. Some other devotees were also injured during the incident.
Lakhtar police inspector Yogesh Patel informed that the devotees were travelling from Gadhka village in Rajkot towards Viramgam for temple darshan and a flag-hoisting ritual.
A reckless driver of a truck ploughed into the group on the outskirts of Bhaskarpara village in Lakhtar taluka. Six pilgrims and the driver of the dumper parked on the roadside became the victims of this crime wherein five deceased were women.
The exact number of injured persons was not immediately known, said the official. He said, “The pilgrims were walking when they met with the accident. They had set out on foot to offer prayers at a temple in Bahucharaji when they were hit by a truck coming at a full speed from behind.”
After the incident took place the truck driver fled from the scene and now search operation is underway to trace and arrest him, police added.
Pm Modi Expressed Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.
The PM’s office posted on X, “The mishap in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, is deeply distressing. Heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,”
The mishap in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, is deeply distressing. Heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 13, 2026
The victims belonged to the Mundhva Family and were part of a larger group of around 700 devotees who were on pilgrimage.
Seven people, i.e five women and two men died on the spot leaving four other in injured condition. The deceased were identified as Masabhai Mundhva, Jaluben Mundhva, Raniben Lambariya and Vajiben Mundhva, among others. All the deceased are residents of the Rajkot area.
(with PTI inputs)