Accident on Mumbai-Pune Expressway: At Least 5 Killed, 30 Injured After Bus Collides With Tractor Near Lonavala
Lonavala, Maharashtra: In a tragic accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, at least five people were killed and 30 injured after a bus carrying devotees to Pandharpur collided with a tractor. The incident occurred around 1 am, near Lonavala, and involved a travel bus transporting warkaris (devotees of Lord Vitthal) from Dombivli to Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations.
Details of the Accident
The accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway involved a group of 54 devotees who were on their way to Pandharpur. As the bus traveled at night, it collided forcefully with a speeding tractor. The collision caused the bus to lose control and plunge into a 30 to 40 feet deep ditch.
- Fatalities and Injuries:
- Five people died in the accident.
- Approximately 30 people were injured, with some in critical condition.
Highway police quickly arrived at the scene and began rescue operations. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, including MGM Hospital and Panvel Rural Hospital, for treatment. The names of the deceased have not yet been identified.
Four people died and several others were injured after a bus collided with a tractor and fell into a ditch near the Mumbai Express Highway.
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 16, 2024
The bus was retrieved with the help of a crane. Vehicle movement resumed after 3 hours on the Mumbai- Lonavala lane of the Mumbai Express… pic.twitter.com/AB8H0VNwJN
Investigation and Concerns
Despite a ban on tractors on the expressway, the presence of the tractor raises serious questions about how it was allowed to travel on this route. DCP Vivek Pansare confirmed the incident, stating, “The incident occurred last night at around 1 am on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Around 54 people were traveling in a private bus which fell into a ditch after being dashed by a tractor. Around 30 people have been admitted to the hospital and five people have lost their lives.”
Ashadhi Ekadashi Celebrations
Thousands of devotees are traveling to Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations, which will take place tomorrow. This pilgrimage sees a significant movement of devotees across the state, heightening the need for stringent safety measures on highways, especially during such peak times.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Upon receiving information about the accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, police and rescue teams promptly arrived at the scene. They conducted rescue operations efficiently, ensuring the injured were taken to hospitals as quickly as possible.
