18 May,2026 08:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CM Fadnavis said that the incident was extremely unfortunate. File Pic
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Monday evening expressed grief over the tragic road accident on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway at Dhaniwari in Palghar district, in which 13 people were killed and around 20 others injured.
In a post on X, CM Fadnavis said that the incident was extremely unfortunate and offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
According to officials, around 20 injured passengers have been admitted to Kasa Sub-District Hospital and Dhundalwadi Hospital. They are currently undergoing treatment.
Fadnavis said he is in continuous touch with the district administration.
The Superintendent of Police personally visited the accident site, and rescue operations have now been completed.
The state government has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.
The Chief Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and said that all possible medical support is being provided.
The accident occurred when a tempo carrying passengers collided with a container truck near Dhaniwari village. A detailed investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
The accident occurred under Dahanu taluka at around 4 pm when the Eicher tempo, packed with more than 50 passengers, was heading for the engagement ceremony of one Balaram Jairam Dandekar, hailing from Bapugaon Khadkipada village, officials said.
According to police, the impact of the collision was severe, causing both vehicles to overturn and trapping several passengers underneath the wreckage.
Following the collision, chaotic scenes unfolded on the busy highway as local residents, police teams and emergency responders rushed to the spot. Rescue operations were carried out to pull victims from the mangled vehicles, according to the PTI.
Officials said five people died on the spot, while others succumbed to injuries later. Several injured passengers remain in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Police have registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation into the accident. The tragic incident has turned what was meant to be a celebratory journey into a scene of mourning for the families involved.
