National News: A devastating road accident in Pune, Maharashtra, claimed the lives of eight women and left 29 people injured when a pick-up van veered off the road and plunged into a 25–to 30-feet deep gorge in a hilly area. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon and has left the entire region in shock. According to initial police reports, the pick-up van was carrying around 40 passengers, most of them women and children from Papalwadi village. They were on their way to the Shri Kshetra Mahadev Kundeshwar temple in Khed tehsil to observe the Shubh Somvar ritual of the Shravan month. The accident took place at about 1 pm when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while navigating the hilly terrain.
Immediate Rescue Efforts
Residents rushed to the scene upon hearing the crash and quickly informed the police. Authorities deployed 10 ambulances to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Despite the prompt rescue operation, eight women succumbed to their injuries on the spot, while 29 others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Medical teams continue to monitor the injured closely, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Prime Minister Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), he said, “I am deeply saddened by the accident in Pune. Extending his sympathies, the Prime Minister conveyed deep sorrow to the families grieving the loss of their loved ones and wished those injured a swift recovery. He further announced that the next of kin of each victim would receive 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, while those injured in the accident would be provided 50,000 each.
Maharashtra CM Announces Additional Compensation
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a profoundly heartbreaking incident. He announced a state compensation of 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased victims. “The government stands with the affected families during this difficult time,” Fadnavis stated.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the mishap. While preliminary findings suggest that the driver lost control, authorities are also investigating possible mechanical failures or negligence in the vehicle's maintenance. Locals have urged the administration to implement stricter safety measures on hilly roads to prevent such accidents in the future.
