Fatal Accident Claims Lives of Devotees En Route to Dwarka
Gujarat, India – A devastating road accident early Sunday morning in Gujarat’s Dang district has left five pilgrims dead and 17 others critically injured after a private bus lost control and plunged into a deep gorge. The tragic incident occurred near the Saputara hill station around 4:15 AM, as the driver failed to maneuver a sharp turn, causing the vehicle to break through a crash barrier and tumble 35 feet down the steep valley.
According to Superintendent of Police S.G. Patil, the bus was carrying a total of 48 passengers, all pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh who had set out on a religious journey from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra to the holy city of Dwarka in Gujarat. The impact of the fall was severe, leading to the immediate deaths of five individuals – two women and three men.
“The accident was catastrophic,” Patil said. “Rescue operations were launched promptly, and emergency teams worked tirelessly to pull the victims from the wreckage.”
Survivors Rushed to Hospital, Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency response teams, including local police, fire services, and paramedics, rushed to the site and initiated rescue and relief efforts. The injured were swiftly transported to the Ahwa Civil Hospital, where 17 passengers are reported to be in critical condition, while others sustained minor injuries.
Authorities confirmed that many passengers suffered fractures, head injuries, and internal bleeding, prompting the hospital staff to provide urgent medical care.
“Many of the injured are in a delicate condition,” a senior doctor at the Ahwa Civil Hospital reported. “We are doing everything possible to stabilize them.”
Driver’s Loss of Control Suspected as Primary Cause
Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have lost control due to a combination of sharp turns, high altitude, and possibly fatigue. The Saputara hill station, a popular tourist spot, is known for its winding roads and difficult terrain. Authorities are also examining whether factors such as over-speeding, mechanical failure, or poor visibility due to early morning fog contributed to the accident.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus was moving at a relatively high speed before it veered off the road.
“The bus wobbled dangerously just before the crash,” said a local resident who assisted in the rescue operation. “We heard loud screams and rushed to help, but the bus had already gone over the edge.”
The victims, hailing from Guna, Shivpuri, and Ashok Nagar districts of Madhya Pradesh, had embarked on the journey to visit the revered Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The tragic accident has left families in deep grief as they come to terms with the unexpected loss of their loved ones.
State officials have extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured that assistance and financial aid will be provided to the victims.
Government Response and Investigation Initiated
The Gujarat government has ordered an immediate probe into the incident, with transportation and law enforcement authorities assessing road conditions, safety barriers, and the driver’s history.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his sorrow over the accident and directed officials to ensure the best medical treatment for the injured.
“We stand with the victims’ families in this difficult time,” Patel said. “Strict measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.”