Seven members of a pilgrim group from the Bharwad community tragically lost their lives, and several others were injured in a devastating accident on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district. The incident occurred between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages near Lakhtar around 1:20 a.m. when a dumper truck collided with the group of foot pilgrims on their way to Viramgam for a temple visit and flag-hoisting ceremony.
The victims, hailing from the Mundhva family, were part of a larger group of approximately 700 devotees embarking on the pilgrimage. Among the seven casualties were five women and two men, including individuals like Masabhai Mundhva, Jaluben Mundhva, Raniben Lambariya, and Vajiben Mundhva.
Eyewitnesses reported that the truck, traveling at a high speed, failed to stop in time, resulting in the tragic accident. The impact was so severe that bodies were scattered along the highway, with at least four individuals sustaining serious injuries and being rushed to the hospital for treatment.
A family member of the victims recounted the harrowing event, mentioning that the group was on their way to hoist a flag at 8 a.m. and were walking even during the night. The accident occurred suddenly at 1:20 a.m., claiming the lives of nine individuals, including the speaker’s relatives.
Police and emergency services, including the 108 ambulance team, promptly responded to the scene, transporting the victims to the local government hospital for medical attention. A case has been filed against the truck driver, who absconded from the site, as investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Local MLA P.K. Parmar, who inspected the area, revealed that the pilgrim group had commenced their journey after prayers and was en route to Viramgam and subsequently Mera village. The Lakhtar-Viramgam highway has been a site of multiple accidents recently, raising concerns among residents regarding speeding vehicles and road safety in the region.
