In the early hours of July 23, 2025, tragedy struck on the Sheetla Mata highway near Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. A speeding car ploughed into a group of Kanwariya pilgrims walking to collect sacred water, killing four people instantly and leaving several others injured. 

Three of the deceased belonged to the same family, amplifying the sorrow in the community. The crash was so violent that witnesses described hearing a loud impact, prompting panic and cries at the scene. The driver fled immediately, abandoning the vehicle. Injured pilgrims were rushed to nearby hospitals, though details about their conditions remain unclear. 

Local police have registered a case and started investigations to identify the fleeing driver and ascertain the cause of the high-speed collision. Pilgrims and residents have voiced concern over safety along busy highways during religious processions, especially in areas lacking proper pedestrian protection.

Authorities are now reviewing road safety measures during the Kanwar Yatra season—when many devotees walk on highways at night—to prevent future tragedies. They aim to balance the right to religious expression with necessary measures to protect vulnerable groups. As investigations proceed, families of the victims await justice and stronger safety standards in future pilgrimages.