A tragic Surendranagar Accident early Monday morning has left seven people dead after a speeding truck ran over a group of devotees traveling along the Lakhtar–Viramgam Highway in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district. The victims, who belonged to the Bharwad community, were on a religious pilgrimage when the fatal collision occurred, turning a peaceful journey into a heartbreaking disaster.
According to initial reports, the accident took place near Bhaskarpara village on the Lakhtar–Viramgam highway. The devotees were part of the Mundhwa family from the Bharwad community and were walking together as part of a religious procession. They had started their journey from Gadhka village in Rajkot district and were heading toward the Mahadev temple at Dekawada with a group of pilgrims.
Witnesses said the group was crossing past a stationary dumper truck parked on the roadside when a speeding truck approached from behind and rammed into them. The impact was devastating, with several devotees being thrown onto the road. Local residents described the scene as extremely distressing, with bodies scattered across the highway following the crash.
In this Surendranagar Accident, five women and two men lost their lives. The victims have been identified as Masabhai Karsanbhai Mundhwa, Jaluben Masabhai Mundhwa, Raniben Mangabhai Lambariya, Jaluben Velabhai Mundhwa, Vijuben Pravinbhai Mundhwa, Vajiben Vibhbhai Mundhwa, and a dumper driver who later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Reports indicate that nearly ten pilgrims were struck by the truck during the collision. Six devotees died at the scene due to the severity of the impact. The dumper driver, who had reportedly stopped his vehicle to change a tire at the roadside, was also seriously injured during the incident. He was rushed to Viramgam Hospital but later died while undergoing treatment.
Passersby quickly informed the Lakhtar police about the accident. Within minutes, teams from both Lakhtar Police and Viramgam Police reached the location and began rescue and recovery operations. Due to the violent nature of the crash, authorities faced significant challenges while collecting the victims’ remains from the road.
Emergency teams later transported the bodies to Lakhtar Government Hospital for post-mortem examinations. Police officials have started an investigation to determine the exact circumstances behind the accident, including whether overspeeding or driver negligence played a role.
The Surendranagar Accident has triggered deep grief within the Bharwad community, especially among residents of Gadhka village where the victims lived. Families who had sent their loved ones on a spiritual journey are now mourning an unimaginable loss.
Local leaders and community members have demanded strict action against reckless driving on highways, noting that repeated accidents on Gujarat’s major roads continue to claim innocent lives. Authorities have urged drivers to maintain caution and adhere to speed limits, particularly on highways where pedestrian movement is common during religious processions.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger road safety measures and greater awareness to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.
