One killed, 11 injured as speeding SUV hits pilgrims in Gujarat's Himmatnagar

Sabarkantha (Gujarat): One pilgrim was killed, and 11 others were injured after a speeding Scorpio rammed into a group of devotees walking along a four-lane highway near Himmatnagar in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district on Monday, triggering anger among locals who set the vehicle on fire.

The incident took place near the Dolgarh-Patiya highway intersection when the pilgrims, who were travelling on foot towards the Ambaji temple, were hit by the SUV.

"The injured were taken to hospital for treatment, where one of them later died," police said.

Sabarkantha Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr Parthrajsinh Gohil confirmed to IANS that the driver had been identified as Bharat Patel and was travelling towards his village when the incident occurred.

“Around 12 people have sustained injuries, of which one person has died while receiving treatment. Currently, the driver has been detained, and further investigation is going on. An FIR is also being registered against him,” Gohil said.

According to the SP, preliminary information indicated that the vehicle was travelling at high speed. “The preliminary information looks like the vehicle was speeding,” Gohil said, adding that the investigation was under way to establish the circumstances of the crash.

Following the collision, the driver allegedly attempted to leave the scene, after which an angry crowd intercepted him. Videos from the spot showed locals surrounding the SUV and striking its bonnet and windows with sticks before the vehicle was set ablaze.

The car was subsequently engulfed in flames, with thick smoke visible from the highway. Police teams were deployed to the spot to control the situation and conduct the investigation.

Officials and personnel from nearby districts were also being mobilised as the situation drew a large gathering. There were also allegations from locals that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

A video purportedly from inside the vehicle showed an empty alcohol bottle. However, police have not confirmed the driver's alleged intoxication, and the investigation is continuing.

Gujarat has prohibition laws restricting the possession and consumption of alcohol.

The injured pilgrims were among devotees travelling towards the Ambaji temple ahead of the annual pilgrimage season.

Large numbers of devotees traditionally walk towards the temple from different parts of Gujarat, with authorities expecting around 40 lakh visitors this year.

Police said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.

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