Tragic SUV Accident in Solapur Claims Lives, Leaves One Missing
A devastating early morning accident in Solapur district has resulted in the drowning of a married couple and left their daughter missing after the SUV they were travelling in plunged into a canal. The incident occurred at Natepute village in Malshiras tehsil, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a family trip to the hill station of Mahabaleshwar.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded around 4:30 AM on Friday when the vehicle, driven by Sunil Mohan Tilekar, lost control and fell into the right bank canal of the Nira River. The couple, identified as Hanumant Jathar (58) and his wife Manjula Jathar (48), were found dead inside the submerged SUV. Their daughter, Preeti Tilekar (30), who was also in the car, remains missing as search operations continue.
Assistant Inspector Vishal Waikar of the Natepute police station provided crucial insights into the circumstances leading to the accident. "Sunil told us that he was feeling drowsy after driving long hours and misjudged the bridge. He lost control of the vehicle, which plunged into the canal," Waikar stated. The police initiated rescue operations by 5 AM, demonstrating a swift response to the emergency.
Family Background and Trip Purpose
The Jathar family, originally from Man tehsil in Satara district, had been residing with their son Sushant in Dahisar, Mumbai. Preeti and her husband Sunil lived separately in Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai. The group was en route to Mahabaleshwar with plans to visit the Jathars' ancestral home in Satara during their journey.
A poignant detail emerged from police accounts: The Tilekars were intending to admit their son to a residential school in the hill station, adding a layer of personal significance to their travel plans. This context underscores the tragic disruption of family aspirations by the sudden accident.
Rescue Operations and Current Status
Following the accident, authorities employed cranes to lift the SUV from the canal. "We found the bodies of Hanumant and Manjula inside the vehicle. Sunil managed to open the door and swim to safety. Preeti is still missing and search operations are on," confirmed Assistant Inspector Waikar. The survival of Sunil Tilekar, who was driving, highlights the precarious nature of the incident, while the ongoing search for Preeti emphasizes the unresolved nature of this family tragedy.
The Natepute police continue their efforts to locate Preeti Tilekar, with the community and authorities hoping for a positive outcome despite the challenging circumstances. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with long-distance driving and fatigue, particularly during early morning hours when visibility and alertness may be compromised.
