14 killed after being hit by truck; two killed in firing

Fourteen people, including 13 devotees of Lord Vitthal, were killed in two road mishaps involving a truck while two persons were killed in subsequent police firing on violent demonstrators protesting the accidents near Jalna in Maharashtra's Marathwada

Fourteen people, including 13 devotees of Lord Vitthal, were killed in two road mishaps involving a truck while two persons were killed in subsequent police firing on violent demonstrators protesting the accidents near Jalna in Maharashtra's Marathwada region.

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The first accident occurred on Ambad-Beed Road at Parner, when the truck driver lost control and dashed into a group of pilgrims, killing seven of them instantly, police said.

Six others succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at local hospitals, police said, adding 20 were injured in the mishap.

An elderly person, riding pillion on a motorcycle, was killed at Matpipalgaon, some 20km from the first accident spot, when the same truck hit a two-wheeler when its occupants tried to stop the fleeing driver, police said.

The truck driver was subsequently arrested.

Following the accident, a mob set some police vehicles on fire, prompting the men in uniform to lob tear-gas shells and open fire to control the violent crowd.

"Two persons were killed and three others injured in the firing," police said.

With tension prevailing in the area, additional police forces were deployed in Ambad tehsil.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan announced financial assistance of Rs one lakh each to next of the kin of those killed in the accident, an official of the CM's Office said.