Surendranagar: A devastating pre-dawn accident on the Lakhtar–Viramgam highway in Surendranagar district has once again exposed the deadly risks on Gujarat’s highways. In a heart-wrenching incident near Bhaskarpara village in Lakhtar early Monday morning, a speeding dumper truck ploughed into a group of pedestrians walking in a religious procession, killing seven people on the spot and injuring at least four others.
The victims, five women and two men, were part of a Sangh (religious group) travelling on foot after halting overnight at Charad village. The group was on its way to the revered Bahucharaji Temple when the tragedy struck between 1:00 am and 1:30 am.
Police officials confirmed that the dumper driver fled immediately after the crash but was later detained. Emergency teams rushed to the scene and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Pilgrimage Turns Fatal
According to in-charge Superintendent of Police Vedika Bihani, the group had begun their journey from Rajkot and halted overnight before resuming their walk.
“Between 1 and 1:30 am, a religious group travelling on foot was hit by a dumper near Charad village. The driver fled the scene but has been arrested. Injured persons have been shifted to different hospitals, and we are verifying the exact number of casualties,” Bihani said.
The deceased were identified as members of the Bharwad community, including Masabhai Karshanbhai Mundhwa, Jaluben Masabhai Mundhwa, Raniben Mangabhai Lambaria and Vajiben Vibhabhai Mundhwa. Authorities said the remaining identities are being verified.
Bodies Transported in Tractor Trolley
In grim scenes that shook locals, the bodies of the victims were transported to Lakhtar Government Hospital in a tractor trolley for post-mortem. The news triggered an outpouring of grief, with community members and leaders gathering at the hospital to console families.
Local MLA P. K. Parmar visited the site and later met grieving relatives. “The group was returning after a religious visit and heading towards Viramgam to hoist a flag and attend a religious gathering. This loss is unbearable for the families and the community,” Parmar said.
Religious leader Laldas Bapu also rushed to the hospital and offered prayers and condolences.
Growing Concerns Over Highway Safety
The latest accident adds to a rising series of deadly highway crashes across Gujarat, sparking renewed concerns about speeding heavy vehicles and inadequate pedestrian safety measures on state highways.
Residents say the Lakhtar–Viramgam stretch is particularly dangerous at night due to poor lighting, speeding trucks and lack of pedestrian infrastructure. Calls for stricter enforcement and improved road safety measures have intensified following the tragedy.
Police have launched a detailed investigation and are expected to file charges against the dumper driver.
