The death toll in the Gwalior temple tragedy rose to 16 after a 78-year-old prasad shopkeeper died during treatment, while a 19-year-old woman injured in the truck crash was airlifted to AIIMS Bhopal for specialised care. The accident occurred near Sheetla Mata Temple during a Navratri fair and has prompted an inquiry into how a heavy truck entered a route restricted during the festival.
Motilal Prajapati, a resident of Sataun village who operated a prasad shop near the temple entrance, died at 6.15 am at Link Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since the October 18 accident. According to the health department, he developed superficial femoral thrombosis, a blood clot in a blood vessel, after sustaining injuries in the crash.
Prajapati had undergone a heart procedure in 2024 during which a stent was inserted and remained under medical supervision after being admitted to hospital. The chief medical and health officer met Prajapati and his family on Monday evening, according to the report. His death has added to the toll from an accident that affected devotees and people working around the temple premises.
The crash took place at about 1.30 am on October 18, when an out-of-control heavy truck ploughed into devotees gathered for the Navratri fair. At least 57 people were hit. With 16 deaths and 41 injuries reported, the incident has become a major crowd and traffic-safety failure at a high-footfall religious site.
Kalpana Parihar, 19, from Thatipur in Gwalior, was airlifted to AIIMS Bhopal at 10.30 am on Tuesday. She suffered fractures in her legs and serious abdominal injuries. She was the second patient transferred to the institute for advanced treatment. Sanjay Sharma, 36, who sustained serious fractures in his hands and legs, had been shifted to AIIMS Bhopal shortly after midnight on October 19.
The transfers were arranged through coordination between the district administration and the health department under the supervision of Gwalior collector Ruchika Chauhan. Officials said the patients were moved for specialised treatment under the supervision of medical experts.
The accident has also raised questions about the enforcement of vehicle restrictions and access control during crowded festival events. The state government has ordered an inquiry and taken action against police personnel over alleged negligence. The investigation is expected to examine the movement of heavy vehicles near the temple, the implementation of the restricted route and the response arrangements at the fair site.
