In a tragic incident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, five pilgrims lost their lives and over 30 others sustained injuries when their bus collided with a tractor. The victims were identified as warkaris, devotees of Lord Vitthal, traveling from Dombivli to Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations.
According to police reports, the accident occurred around midnight near Adne village when the bus carrying 42 passengers from Dombivli crashed into a tractor. The impact of the collision caused the bus to veer off the road and plunge into a gorge.
DCP Vivek Pansare informed reporters that emergency services responded swiftly, transporting the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment. Three individuals remain in critical condition, with medical staff working to stabilize their injuries.
The pilgrimage journey, often a spiritual and festive occasion for warkaris, turned tragic as families and communities mourned the sudden loss and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured. Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the collision, focusing on factors such as road conditions and adherence to safety protocols.
This incident underscores the importance of road safety measures, especially during peak travel seasons when highways witness increased traffic due to religious gatherings and festivals. As the community reels from the shock of this accident, efforts are being made to provide support to the affected families and ensure comprehensive medical care for the injured.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, known for its high-speed traffic and winding stretches, has seen previous accidents highlighting the need for enhanced vigilance and precautionary measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
