President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan expressed their condolences following a tragic road accident in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district that resulted in the loss of seven lives from a pilgrim group early in the day. President Murmu, who is currently on a two-day visit to the state for academic events, conveyed her sadness over the incident and offered prayers for the deceased and injured.
Vice President Radhakrishnan also expressed deep sorrow over the accident, extending heartfelt condolences to the affected families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured individuals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined in expressing grief over the mishap, offering condolences to the families of the victims and praying for the swift recovery of those injured in the accident.
The fatal accident took place on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages near Lakhtar around 1:20 A.M. when a dumper truck collided with a group of foot pilgrims from behind. The victims, members of the Bharwad community, were en route from Gadhka village in Rajkot district to Viramgam for a temple visit and flag-hoisting ceremony as part of a larger group of around 700 devotees.
Seven members of the Mundhva family, including five women and two men, lost their lives at the scene, while at least four others sustained severe injuries and were hospitalized. Eyewitnesses reported that the truck, traveling at high speed, failed to stop in time, striking the pilgrims walking along the roadside. The truck driver fled the scene, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances of the accident.
