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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on Sunday over the loss of lives in a road accident near Shitla Mata Temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and those injured.
In a post shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO India) on X, PM Modi offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased person. Those injured in the accident will receive Rs 50,000 each.
Distressed to learn about the loss of lives due to a mishap in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 18, 2026
The accident occurred at around 01:30 AM on Sunday when a truck carrying sacks of paddy reportedly lost control while descending a slope near the historic temple, located around 18 kilometres from Gwalior’s district headquarters.
The truck rammed into shops near the temple, striking a crowd of people.
The accident claimed 12 lives and left more than 25 people injured, including two police personnel and several children, according to an official.
Police teams rushed to the scene after receiving information and shifted the injured to hospitals for treatment.
Around five people were reported to be in critical condition, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Jaya Arogya Hospital in Gwalior.
The accident occurred during Navratri, when the temple attracts large numbers of devotees.
Authorities are investigating who allowed the truck to enter the route, where officials typically restrict heavy vehicles during the festival, and whether negligence contributed to the incident.
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