Scorpio SUV hits 12 padyatris walking to Ambaji in hit-and-run accident; mob sets vehicle on fire

Sabarkantha: A horrific road accident near Dolgadh village on the Himmatnagar-Idar State Highway in Sabarkantha left around 12 pilgrims injured on Sunday evening after a Scorpio allegedly entered the lane reserved for pedestrians travelling to the Ambaji Bhadarvi Poonam fair.

As part of arrangements for the annual pilgrimage, authorities had made the Himmatnagar-Kheroj stretch one-way, with one lane designated exclusively for pedestrians and the other for vehicular movement. Despite these arrangements, the Scorpio allegedly entered the pedestrian lane near Dolgadh and struck a group of pilgrims walking along the road.

According to preliminary information, around 12 pedestrians were injured in the accident, with several reportedly sustaining serious injuries. The impact allegedly threw some of the pilgrims into the air, triggering panic among fellow pilgrims and people in the area.

Bystanders and other pilgrims immediately rushed to help the injured. All those injured were taken to Himmatnagar Civil Hospital by 108 ambulance services, where they are undergoing treatment.

The accident also triggered anger among pilgrims and villagers at the scene. Agitated people reportedly confronted the driver and subsequently set the Scorpio on fire. The vehicle was engulfed in flames within minutes.

Following the incident, senior police officers and local police personnel rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. The Sabarkantha District Superintendent of Police also reached the scene with a large police contingent amid heightened tension.

The incident has raised questions over how the Scorpio managed to enter the route designated for pilgrims despite security arrangements and checkpoints along the one-way stretch. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident and the vehicle’s entry into the pedestrian lane.

The situation was subsequently brought under control, and traffic and security arrangements were restored. The district SP has directed strict legal action against the Scorpio driver and ordered an inquiry into the conduct of personnel deployed at security points along the designated route. DeshGujarat