Gujarat: Truck crushes 15 workers from Rajasthan to death
What's the story
Fifteen migrant laborers from Rajasthan sleeping by the roadside in Gujarat's Surat district died on Tuesday after a truck ran over them.
"The tragedy took place near Kosamba village, around 60 km from Surat," police said.
The truck driver, who apparently lost control over the vehicle after hitting a sugarcane-laden tractor, has been detained.
All the deceased hailed from Rajasthan.
Twitter Post
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani condoled the loss of lives
सूरत में फुटपाथ पर सो रहे निर्दोष श्रमिकों की दर्दनाक हादसे से हुई दुःखद मृत्यु से व्यथित हूँ। ईश्वर से दिवंगत आत्माओं की सद्गति तथा शोकाकुल परिजनों को संबल देने हेतु प्रार्थना।
— Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) January 19, 2021
संवेदना के साथ सभी मृतकों को 2 लाख रुपये की सहायता और घायलों को शीघ्र इलाज कराने का निर्देश दिया है।
Condolences
PM Modi also expressed grief at the tragic incident
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives on Twitter while announcing compensation for the family of the dead and those injured.
"Ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the accident in Surat. Rs. 50,000 each would be given to those injured," PMO's tweet said.
Twitter Post
Here is what PMO tweeted
The loss of lives due to a truck accident in Surat is tragic. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover at the earliest: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 19, 2021
Details
Accident happened on Kim-Mandvi road shortly after midnight
"The truck ran over the migrant construction workers on the Kim-Mandvi road shortly after midnight," Surat SP Usha Rada said.
The driver lost control of the vehicle after it hit sugarcane hanging out of the tractor-trolley coming from the opposite direction.
"The truck dashed against the tractor and veered off the road onto the pavement where the workers were sleeping," she said.
Injured
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot also announced compensation for the affected
According to the police, several more have been injured and are being treated at the hospital.
The driver and cleaner of the truck also sustained injuries and were shifted to the hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief at the loss of lives and announced compensation from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Twitter Post
Gehlot's tweet on the 'heart-wrenching' tragedy
The tragedy in Surat, where labourers from Banswara have lost lives is heart wrenching. Rajasthan govt will be providing Rs 2 lakh compensation to family of the deceased Rs 50,000 to those injured from CM Relief Fund.
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) January 19, 2021