At least fifteen migrant labourers were killed early Tuesday after a truck ran over them in Gujarat’s Surat.
A truck collided with a tractor loaded with sugarcane after which the truck driver lost balance of his vehicle and drove it over the pavement where a group of daily workers were sleeping.
While 12 persons died on the spot, three died during treatment in a nearby hospital, sources said.
All the victims were from Rajasthan’s Banswara district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident.
“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,” the Prime Minister’s office tweeted.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund).
“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 tweeted.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also condoled the deaths.
“Deeply saddened to know many labourers from #Banswara, #Rajasthan have lost lives after a truck ran over them as they were sleeping near the road in #Surat. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured,” Gehlot tweeted.
