A speeding truck on Gujarat's Mutch National Highway near Maliya-Miyana slammed into a flock of sheep and goats, killing 25 and injuring about 25 more. The crash was captured on a CCTV camera mounted along the road, showing the vehicle approaching at high speed. The animals belonged to Maldhari cattle herders traveling toward Kutch. The impact was severe, with 23 sheep and two goats dying at the scene.
Maliya-Miyana police arrived within minutes of receiving the call. Chief Inspector Ramesh Patel said a formal complaint has been registered against the driver. Investigators are examining the truck's speed and the driver's licence.
The incident underscores a long-standing safety problem on Gujarat's highways, where livestock frequently cross roads. Earlier this year, a similar collision on the same stretch left 17 animals dead. Transport officials have urged stricter enforcement of speed limits near grazing areas. Local authorities plan to install additional warning signs.
Suraj, one of the herders, told reporters that the driver had been seen speeding earlier and demanded compensation for the loss of his animals.
The driver faces potential charges under the Motor Vehicles Act for reckless driving. A court hearing is scheduled for next month to determine liability. The case will be followed closely by animal welfare groups.