15 migrant labourers were killed in Gujarat’s Surat after being crushed over by a truck in the early hours of January 19, news agency PTI reported. The incident took place near Kosamba village, around 60km from Surat.

Police said that all the victims “are labourers and they hail from Rajasthan.

“The loss of lives due to a truck accident in Surat is tragic. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover at the earliest, news agency ANI quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying. 

The PMO office announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the accident in Surat. Rs 50,000 each would be given to those injured.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot condemned the accident, saying: “Deeply saddened to know many labourers from Banswara, Rajasthan have lost lives after a truck ran over them as they were sleeping near road in Surat. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured.”