Gadchiroli: In a tragic accident on Thursday morning, three passengers, including a seven-month-old infant, lost their lives and 33 others sustained injuries when a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus overturned near Gadchiroli. The incident occurred at approximately 6 km from the city at a sharp curve near Navegaon-Murkhala. The bus, which was operating on the Gadchiroli-Umarkhed route, crashed through the roadside iron safety barrier and overturned into a field after the driver reportedly lost control of the speeding vehicle.
Details of the Deceased and Injured
The deceased have been identified as Khwaja Shahabuddin (60) of Desaiganj, Laxmibai Durkiwar (55) of Navargaon, and seven-month-old Shivansh Navghare, who succumbed to injuries during treatment. Several injured passengers are in critical condition and have been shifted to Nagpur for advanced medical care. Among the injured are the bus driver, Rohit Deshmukh, and conductor Sandeep Pawar, along with numerous passengers from various parts of Gadchiroli district.
Eyewitness Accounts and Rescue Operations
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus was traveling at high speed when the driver failed to negotiate the curve, causing the vehicle to break through the barrier. The impact threw passengers against each other, resulting in serious injuries to several women and children. Local residents promptly rushed to the scene and assisted in rescuing trapped passengers before police and health department teams arrived and initiated relief operations.
Investigation and Official Response
Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Gadchiroli MLA Dr. Milind Narote and former MP Dr. Ashok Nete later visited the district hospital, where they inquired about the condition of the injured and instructed doctors to ensure urgent treatment for the critically injured.
