Prez Murmu, VP Radhakrishnan mourn deaths of seven pilgrims in Gujarat
Surendranagar/New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday expressed condolences following a fatal road accident in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district that claimed seven lives from a pilgrim group in the early hours of the day.
Notably, the President is on a two-day visit to the state for various academic events.
In a post on X, the President said: “The news of the death of people in a road accident in Surendranagar district of Gujarat is extremely sad. I express my condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this accident. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
The Vice President said: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Surendranagar, Gujarat. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Expressing grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier said: “The mishap in Surendranagar district is deeply distressing. Heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
According to officials, the accident occurred at around 1.20 A.M. on the Lakhtar-Viramgam highway between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages near Lakhtar, when a group of foot pilgrims was struck from behind by a speeding dumper truck.
The victims, belonging to the Bharwad community, were travelling from Gadhka village in Rajkot district towards Viramgam for temple darshan and a flag-hoisting ritual, and were part of a larger group of around 700 devotees undertaking the pilgrimage.
Seven members of the Mundhva family, including five women and two men, died at the scene.
The deceased were identified as Masabhai Mundhva, Jaluben Mundhva, Raniben Lambariya and Vajiben Mundhva, among others.
At least four people sustained serious injuries and were admitted to hospital, while some accounts indicated that up to 10 to 12 pilgrims may have been affected.
Eyewitnesses said the truck was travelling at high speed and failed to slow down. One witness said a vehicle was stalled by the roadside, possibly due to a tyre change, and the pilgrims were walking along the side when another truck came without braking and ran them over.
Police and emergency services, including the 108 ambulance team, reached the scene shortly after the incident and shifted the victims to a local government hospital for post-mortem examinations and treatment.
A case has been registered against the truck driver, who fled the scene, and an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances leading to the mishap.