What Happened in Pune? Seven Devotees Killed in a Tragic Accident

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Seven women devotees lost their lives in a tragic accident in Pune.
- The pick-up truck fell into a gorge during transit to the Kundeshwar Shiva temple.
- Prime Minister Modi announced financial assistance for the victims' families.
- Local residents played a crucial role in rescue efforts.
- Investigation into the accident is currently ongoing.
Pune, August 11 (NationPress) - Tragically, a devastating accident has claimed the lives of at least seven women devotees while leaving numerous others injured. A pick-up truck transporting them to the Kundeshwar Shiva temple veered off course, plunging into a gorge approximately 25-30 feet deep in Khed taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, on Monday, according to official reports.
The victims, hailing from Papalwadi, were en route for darshan when the vehicle overturned in the mountainous region and fell into the valley.
While seven women tragically lost their lives at the scene, the injured were promptly transported to the rural hospital in Paith and other nearby medical facilities.
Local residents quickly intervened at the accident site to aid in the rescue operations before police and emergency services arrived. The local administration and emergency responders provided necessary support to the injured and facilitated their transfer to medical facilities.
DCP Shivaji Pawar of Pimpri-Chinchwad Police confirmed that among the injured were several women and children. He reported that approximately 25 to 35 individuals sustained injuries in the accident, with some in critical condition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the grieving families and wishing a swift recovery to the injured. He announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives due to the accident in Pune, Maharashtra. My heartfelt condolences go to those who have lost their loved ones. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. An ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, and the injured will receive Rs 50,000,” a statement from the PMO indicated.
The Khed Police have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of this unfortunate accident.