Truck ploughs into pilgrims near temple in India's Gwalior, killing at least 13

At least 13 people were killed and nearly 40 injured when a truck crashed into devotees near the Sheetla Mata temple outside Gwalior, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, early on Sunday, police said.

“Thirteen persons were killed near the Sheetlamata Mandir when an uncontrolled truck loaded with paddy hit devotees waiting on the roadside,” Gwalior Superintendent of Police Dharamvir Yadav told the PTI news agency, according to The Indian Express. He said four to five of the injured were in serious condition. Hindi-language outlet Navbharat Times later reported the toll had risen to 14, with three victims not yet identified.

Police said the crash happened at about 1.30am local time (7am AEDT) on a steep road where heavy vehicles are restricted during the Navratri festival. Senior police officer Dharmveer Singh told ETV Bharat that the truck broke through police barricades, lost control and hit the temple’s outer wall and gate, crushing people on the road. Two police officers on duty were among the injured.

Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan said officials were investigating how the truck got past the checkpoint, and that a transport department team would inspect the vehicle for mechanical faults. A witness told ETV Bharat the truck was overloaded; officials have not confirmed that.

Figures are as of 2.55pm AEDT on Sunday.