Seven pilgrims killed as auto hit by truck

The truck driver fled the accident scene. He is believed to be injured. Five labourers riding in the truck8217;s carriage were also injured.

Police said that 32-year-old Kalidas Solanki and his family members had started off from their home at 7 a.m. in a autorickshaw, driven by a family friend, Ramanbhai Solanki. The other victims are Kalidas8217;s wife Jayaben Solanki 28, and three children, Ranjanaben Solanki 10, Dakshaben 8, Jyotiben 4. The other victim was Jayaben8217;s cousin, Dhanlaxmiben.

For Solanki8217;s family it was supposed to be a joyous day. His daughters, Ranjanaben and Dakhsa, were rejoicing at the school vacation which began on Monday. So they had planned a trip to the temple.

Malangbhai, one of the labourers, who is being treated at S.S.G. Hospital here, said, 8220;Suddenly we saw this autorickshaw emerge from a village road onto the highway. The drive tried to ply the brakes but since the speed was really high, he could not control it and the vehicle dashed into the rickshaw. I lost consciousness after that.8221;

Dhanlaxmi8217;s father Jayantibhai Solanki who is a helper with the Gujarat Electricity Board GEB on hearing the news rushed to the spot only to find mutilated bodies of Kalidas and his family members. His daughter who was still alive was rushed to the SSG but she later succumbed to her injuries.