Tragedy Strikes Warkari Procession on Pune-Mumbai Highway
A peaceful religious procession turned into a scene of tragedy when a speeding container truck ploughed into a group of Warkari pilgrims on the old Pune-Mumbai Highway, resulting in one woman's death and leaving ten others injured. The horrific accident occurred at Kamshet Ghat on Tuesday evening, sending shockwaves through the devotional community.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident took place around 6:30 pm when the group of pilgrims from various villages in the Uran area of Raigad district were making their way to the temple town of Alandi in Pune district. As they reached the ghat section near Darshan hotel, the container truck coming from the opposite direction lost control and crashed into the procession.
According to Pune Rural police officials, "The pilgrims were heading towards Pune while the container was moving in the opposite direction to Mumbai. In the ghat section where there is a slope of higher gradient, the driver lost control and hit the pilgrims." The force of impact injured eleven pilgrims, including some who were traveling in an autorickshaw that formed part of the procession.
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
The injured were quickly rushed to a local hospital, where one of the victims was pronounced dead. The police have identified the deceased as Priyanka Prabhakar Tandel, 55, whose pilgrimage ended in tragedy.
The ten injured pilgrims include: Dattatray Kibu Gharat (65), Sharada Thakur (45), Jirabai Patil (65), Kamini Gandhi (28), Aparna Thakur (50), Prabhakar Tandel (62), Ashok Kumar (30), Nanda Chopde (55), Dnyandeo Gade (55), and Tanaji Hemade (40).
Following the accident, the truck driver abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene. The police have impounded the container truck and launched a search operation to apprehend the absconding driver.
Public Outrage and Police Response
The incident sparked immediate outrage among the pilgrim community. Some pilgrims blocked the highway demanding the immediate arrest of the driver. Senior police officers intervened and held discussions with the protestors, assuring them that the driver would be apprehended soon.
The tragic event has raised serious questions about road safety measures on the ghat sections of the Pune-Mumbai Highway, particularly during religious processions when large groups of pedestrians use the roadway.
