Dang (Gujarat), Feb 2 (PTI): A tragic accident in Gujarat’s Dang district early Sunday morning claimed the lives of five people and left 35 others injured when a private bus carrying pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh plunged into a deep gorge.
According to police, the accident occurred around 4:15 AM near Saputara, a hill station, when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The bus, carrying 48 pilgrims, broke through the crash barrier and fell 35 feet into the gorge. The group was on a religious pilgrimage across various states and had departed from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra’s Nashik district, heading towards Dwarka in Gujarat.
Fatalities and Injuries
Among the injured, 17 passengers sustained critical injuries, while others suffered minor wounds. The five deceased include the bus driver, Ratan Lal Jatav (Vidisha, MP), along with Bolaram Kushwaha, Pappu Yadav, Guddi Bai, and Kamlesh Bai Yadav (Shivpuri district, MP).The victims were swiftly transported to nearby community health centres (CHCs), with critically injured individuals referred to the civil hospital in Ahwa for advanced medical care.
Rescue Operations and Initial Findings
Authorities launched a rapid rescue operation, with police and locals working together to pull passengers from the wreckage. According to Dang Collector Mahesh Patel, the accident likely occurred due to brake failure. The bus had stopped for tea at Saputara before resuming its journey, with the crash taking place just 2.5 km from the hill station.Government Response and Assistance
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed condolences and announced financial aid:- ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased
- ₹1 lakh for the critically injured
- ₹50,000 for others injured in the accident
Official Statements
Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior Zone Inspector General of Police Arvind Saxena confirmed that the 52-seater bus was not overloaded, carrying 48 passengers at the time of the accident.Meanwhile, authorities continue their investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the need for enhanced road safety measures on hilly terrains and stringent vehicle maintenance checks to prevent such tragedies in the future.