Surendranagar: Seven pilgrims who were on a foot pilgrimage died, while four others were injured on the Lakhtar–Viramgam highway after being hit by a truck.

The incident occurred between Charad and Bhaskarpara villages near Lakhtar when a speeding dumper rammed into a group of pilgrims from the Bharwad community who were travelling on foot from Rajkot towards Bahucharaji. The impact was severe, killing seven people on the spot, including five women and two men, while around 3–4 others sustained injuries.

According to police, the accident took place between 1:00 am and 1:30 am after the group resumed their journey following a night halt at Charad village.

The dumper, reportedly coming from behind at high speed, ran over several pedestrians while attempting to overtake a stationary, punctured truck.

Eyewitnesses described the crash as extremely severe, with multiple victims thrown onto the highway. Police teams from Lakhtar rushed to the spot and shifted the bodies to Lakhtar Government Hospital for post-mortem.

Surendranagar in-charge SP Vedika Bihani said the driver of the dumper fled the scene after the accident, and efforts are underway to trace him. She confirmed that the exact number of injured is still being verified, as some victims were taken to nearby hospitals in private vehicles and official medical reports are awaited.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also expressed distress over the unfortunate mishap. “The mishap in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, is deeply distressing. Heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” a tweet from PMO said.

Local leaders, including Dasada–Lakhtar MLA P.K. Parmar, visited the site and the hospital following the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident. DeshGujarat