Gujarat: 15 die as truck runs over workers sleeping on pavement in Surat

SURAT: At least 15 labourers from Rajasthan were mowed down by a speeding dumper truck on Kim-Mandvi highway near Surat in the early hours of Tuesday.
The labourers were sleeping on the pavement when the truck driver lost control and crushed them.

The accident took place around 40km from Surat city on National Highway-48.

According to police, around 20 people suffered serious or minor injuries while 12 died on the spot.One person died while being shifted to a hospital in Surat, two more succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

"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," tweeted Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot.

The mishap occurred when a tractor loaded with sugarcane coming from the opposite direction collided with the truck which was heading towards Mandvi from Kim.
The truck driver and cleaner also suffered injuries. They were also shifted to the hospital for treatment.
"Total 15 people have died in the accident and few others are in hospital for treatment. The truck driver is under treatment and he will be arrested," said Usha Rada, superintendent of police, Surat.
The group of labourers was from Kusumgadh of Banswara in Rajasthan. They worked as temporary construction labour at a nearby construction site.
The deceased have been identified as Manisha Kela Mahida (19), Vanita Kela Mahida (17), both residents of Vigatpuri in Rajasthan; Rahul Bharji Mahida (19), of Derjar, Madhya Pradesh; Sangita Dilip Vasuniya (27), of Garadakhora, Rajasthan; Champa Valu Panda (16), of Maska; Naresh Valu Panda (25), of Maska, Banswara; Rajila Vikesh Mahida (25), of Kherda; Vikesh Ravji Mahida (27), of Kherda, Banswara; Shakan Rupchand Vasuniya (21), of Garadakhora, Banswara, Mukesh Kela Mahida (25), of Vigatpura; Lila Mukesh Mahida (22), of Vigatpura, daughter of Mukesh (1); Anita Manish Mahida (40), Mangrol, Surat; Dilip Akra Vasniya (20), of Galandhara; Shobhna Rakesh Vasniya (23), of Bhilwara.
PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the accident and also announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to next of the kin of the deceased from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
"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," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) tweeted.
"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 said in another tweet.
Rajasthan govt announces Rs 2 lakh compensation for next of kin of deceased
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation to the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the mishap.