Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Sep 22: One person was killed and 11 others were injured after a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly rammed into a group of pilgrims walking towards the Ambaji temple near Himmatnagar in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district on Monday evening.
The incident occurred around 6.30 pm near Dolgadh, about 11 km north of Himmatnagar, along the highway leading to Ambaji. The pilgrims were travelling on foot for the annual Bhadarvi Poonam fair at the Ambaji temple, which is being held from September 20 to 26.
According to police, the SUV hit a group of pilgrims and other people near the Dolgadh-Patiya area. The deceased was identified as Bharat Vaghela, a roadside tea-stall owner who had set up his stall along the highway to serve pilgrims travelling towards Ambaji.
Sabarkantha Superintendent of Police Parthrajsinh Gohil said 11 people, including pilgrims, local residents and volunteers, were injured in the incident and admitted to GMERS Himmatnagar Civil Hospital. Another report put the total number of people affected at around 12, including the deceased.
Some of the injured reportedly suffered fractures and underwent CT scans and X-rays at the Himmatnagar Civil Hospital. Three of the injured were reported to be in critical condition in the latest update from local reporting.
The SUV driver, identified as Bharat Patel, was detained by police after the accident. Police are questioning him to establish the exact circumstances of the crash and have sent his blood samples for forensic examination to determine whether he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Police have not confirmed the allegation of drunken driving.
Some local residents alleged that the driver made a U-turn before driving towards the group at high speed. Another police account said the SUV allegedly crossed a barricade and struck a Gujarat Rakshak Dal personnel before hitting the pilgrims. These claims are being examined as part of the investigation.
Following the collision, the driver allegedly attempted to leave the spot. An angry crowd intercepted him and allegedly manhandled him before police intervened. The crowd subsequently set the Scorpio on fire.
Videos from the scene showed the SUV completely engulfed in flames, with thick smoke rising from the highway. Police teams, including personnel from nearby areas, were deployed to control the situation and prevent further escalation.
The pilgrims were among thousands of devotees travelling on foot towards the Ambaji temple for the Bhadarvi Poonam fair. The annual pilgrimage attracts large numbers of devotees from different parts of Gujarat, with authorities expecting millions of visitors during the festival period.
Police have registered a case against the driver and are investigating the collision, including the vehicle's speed, the driver's movements and the circumstances surrounding the subsequent burning of the vehicle. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.