Truck plunges into gorge killing 72
A truck carrying religious pilgrims crashed into a gorge in north-western India tonight, killing at least 72 people and injuring at least 70 more, a news report said.
The accident occurred when the truck driver lost control while taking a sharp turn near the city of Jaisalmer in rural Rajasthan state, the Press Trust of India news agency said, quoting police superintendent Rupinder Singh.
The truck smashed through a protective wall on the road and hurtled 20 feet into the gorge, Singh said, according to the agency.
He said 70 people have been taken to hospital.
The pilgrims were going to the Ramdev temple, revered by both Hindus and Muslims, also near Jaisalmer, for an annual pilgrimage.
Rescuers have recovered 72 bodies, using cranes and searchlights, the news agency said.
The New Delhi Television news channel said 150 people were travelling in the truck. Overcrowded vehicles – both buses and trucks – are a major danger in India and road accidents caused by reckless driving, ageing vehicles and bad roads are common.
Jaisalmer is more than 400 miles south-west of New Delhi.
