The deceased were warkaris (devotees of Lord Vitthal) traveling to Pandharpur from their hometown of Dombivli near Mumbai for the Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations, according to the police.
Thousands of devotees are heading to Pandharpur for Ashadhi Ekadashi, which is being celebrated tomorrow. However, a severe accident occurred around 1 am on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway involving a bus carrying devotees. A tractor collided forcefully with the bus traveling from Dombivli to Pandharpur, resulting in five fatalities and numerous injuries.
Upon receiving information about the incident, highway police arrived at the scene and initiated rescue operations. The injured have been transported to the hospital. The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed.
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Details on the Accident
A group of 54 devotees from Dombivli was traveling to Pandharpur by bus at night. Around 1 am, while on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the bus encountered a speeding tractor ahead. The bus driver suddenly lost control, leading to a collision with the tractor and causing the bus to plunge into a 30 to 40-foot deep ditch. Five people died in the accident, and 20 to 25 others were injured, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Upon receiving information about the accident, police from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway promptly arrived at the scene. They swiftly carried out rescue operations and transported the injured to MGM Hospital and Panvel Rural Hospital for treatment. Despite a ban on tractors on the expressway, questions are being raised about how the tractor was permitted to travel on this route.
