Indore Horror: Blazing Truck Mows Down Pedestrians on Crowded Road, Leaves Trail of Death
Indore, Madhya Pradesh – What started as a typical Monday evening on Indore’s bustling Airport Road turned into a nightmare for residents of the Shikshak Nagar area, as a speeding truck lost control and ploughed into a group of pedestrians and vehicles, before catching fire. At least two people have been confirmed dead, and eight others are receiving treatment for injuries—some of them critical. Local police have warned that the death toll may rise.
The accident took place near the Bada Ganpati temple, a well-known landmark in the city. Initial reports suggest that the truck, carrying packaging material, veered off its lane, hit multiple two-wheelers and pedestrians, and eventually caught fire after dragging a motorcycle under its chassis.
The Scene of Devastation
Eyewitnesses described chaotic and harrowing scenes as the truck barreled down the road at high speed. A loud screech of brakes was followed by a series of crashes. Moments later, thick black smoke filled the sky as flames erupted from the vehicle, likely triggered by fuel leakage from the crushed motorcycle trapped underneath.
According to eyewitness Akash Tiwari, “The truck was moving uncontrollably. It hit at least three bikes, an auto-rickshaw, and then a crowd near the roadside. Seconds later, there was fire. People started running, screaming for help.”
Panic gripped the area as bystanders tried to pull the injured away from the growing fire, while others attempted to douse the flames with water and fire extinguishers from nearby shops.
Emergency Response and Rescue
Police, fire services, and ambulances arrived at the scene shortly after frantic calls were made by local residents. However, by the time they arrived, the truck’s front section was already engulfed in flames, making rescue operations risky and slow.
The Indore Fire Brigade was able to bring the fire under control after about 30 minutes, but the damage had been done. Several victims were found pinned under the wreckage. Those injured were rushed to Bhatia Hospital and Geetanjali Medical Center. At least two victims are currently on ventilator support.
“A few of the injured have sustained severe burns and crush injuries,” said Dr. Anjali Rao of Bhatia Hospital. “We are doing everything we can, but some are in extremely critical condition.”
Driver Detained; Alcohol Suspected
The truck driver, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was taken into police custody. Preliminary reports from the police suggest that the driver might have been under the influence of alcohol, though this is yet to be confirmed through blood tests.
According to SP Manish Kumar, “We are investigating all angles. The driver appears to have lost control. Eyewitnesses believe he may have been drunk. We are conducting medical tests and vehicle inspections to determine the cause of the accident.”
Police have also said that the truck had entered a stretch where heavy vehicles are restricted during peak hours, raising questions about traffic enforcement and vehicle monitoring.
Victims and Public Anger
Among the deceased is a 25-year-old man who was returning home from work, and a teenage girl, whose family said she was out to buy groceries. Their identities have not been officially released pending family notifications.
The incident sparked public outrage, with locals expressing anger over the presence of heavy vehicles in residential and commercial zones. Some residents attempted to confront the police and even tried to block traffic in protest.
“It’s not the first time,” said resident Meena Joshi. “We’ve complained before about rash driving and trucks entering our lanes. No one listens until people die.”
Political and Administrative Response
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohansingh Chauhan has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and has ordered an immediate inquiry. The government has announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of those killed and ₹50,000 for the injured.
“Strict action will be taken against the truck owner and anyone found responsible,” said the CM in a press statement. “Road safety is a priority, and incidents like these will not be tolerated.”
District Collector Shivam Verma visited the site and the hospitals where the injured are being treated. He assured citizens that a full report will be prepared within 48 hours.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The accident has ignited fresh debates about road safety in India’s rapidly expanding urban centers. Indore, one of the state’s busiest cities, has seen a growing number of heavy vehicles using internal roads despite regulations.
Local NGOs have called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, more checkpoints to test for alcohol, and better urban planning to keep high-speed, high-mass vehicles away from residential and commercial areas.
“This is not just an accident. It is the result of systemic negligence,” said activist Rakesh Pandey, who runs a citizen safety group. “People are dying on roads every day, and we’re still waiting for meaningful change.”
Investigation Ongoing
Police have seized the vehicle and are analyzing its condition to rule out mechanical failure. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from nearby shops to reconstruct the event and confirm eyewitness testimonies.
The role of the transport company that owns the vehicle will also come under scrutiny. If found negligent in maintaining vehicle standards or in assigning an unfit driver, criminal charges could follow.
The Road Ahead
As Indore reels from the shock, many residents are left asking the same question: How many more lives must be lost before real safety measures are enforced?
For now, the families of the victims are preparing for funerals, while the city waits for answers. Meanwhile, traffic has been diverted on Airport Road, and a temporary ban has been placed on heavy vehicles in the area until further notice.