Three women devotees killed, 18 injured after truck runs over Warkaris near Pune

Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar visits the injured persons at Jejuri Rural Hospital. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Three women devotees were killed, and around 18 Warkaris were injured after a truck accompanying the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi convoy ran over devotees near Jejuri in Pune district during the Ashadhi Wari on Sunday (July 12).

Fatal mishap

The accident occurred near Bhongale Mala on the Saswad-Jejuri route in the Jejuri-Belsar area as thousands of Warkaris were heading to Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage.

Officials said the truck, driven by the 70-year-old, carrying food supplies for the Palkhi procession, lost control and rammed into devotees. Preliminary information suggests the truck belonged to the Nanded district.

The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. Three women, initially reported to be critical, later succumbed to their injuries.

Purandar MLA Vijay Shivtare said, "The driver had taken medication for fever. He reportedly became drowsy, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into the procession, district officials informed me."

The Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi had halted at Jejuri on Saturday night and resumed its journey towards Pandharpur on Sunday morning.

Probe ordered

NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar said the tragedy was painful as the vehicle involved was part of the Palkhi convoy. He sought a thorough investigation and stronger safety measures to prevent such incidents.

Relief announced

Soon after the accident, Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar visited Jejuri Rural Hospital. She directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care and announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the families of each deceased pilgrim. All injured devotees will receive free treatment at the government's expense, with additional financial assistance to be provided wherever required.

The deceased

>> Rajshree Shankar Bhosale
>> Madhavi Rajaram Sarvade
>> Nanda Pawar

All were residents of Sangli district.

[popcorn number="July 12" desc="Day the incident occured" class="Default"]