Gwalior temple crash: Driver took detour to avoid Rs.3,000 in toll tax
Bhopal, Oct. 20 -- The driver of the truck that crushed 15 people to death near a temple in Gwalior on Sunday allegedly used Google Maps to avoid paying Rs.3,000 in toll tax, police said on Monday, adding that the vehicle lost control after its brake pressure dropped on a sloping curve.
According to police, driver Dilbag Singh told investigators that he lost control around 50 metres from the shrine, mowing down devotees waiting in a queue and ploughing through prasad stalls before crashing into the temple gate.
"He tried to stop the truck just 50 metres away at the police check post, but by then the truck had gone out of control on the sloping curve leading to the temple. He said pressure reduced a lot," Gwalior superintendent of police Dharamveer Yadav said.
The SP said Singh, who had been driving heavy vehicles for four years, was unfamiliar with the route. Police have arrested Singh and truck owner Harpreet Singh from Ludhiana. The trucks, travelling together, were carrying paddy from Dabra grain market to Punjab.
Police also found alleged negligence at a check post 500 metres from the temple, where two constables were reportedly absent. The driver was not intoxicated, the SP said, adding that a mechanical forensic report was awaited.
Chief minister Mohan Yadav announced compensation of Rs.4 lakh for each deceased victim's family, Rs.2 lakh for the seriously injured and Rs.50,000 for other injured people....
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