Maharashtra: Pimpri-Chinchwad accident death toll climbs to 10

Representational Image

The death toll rose to 10 and several others were injured in the Pimpri-Chinchwad accident.

Ten women on their way to a temple were killed and 30 others injured after a pick-up van packed with passengers fell off the road on a hilly terrain and plunged into a gorge on Monday in Pune district, police said, reported news agency PTI.

The vehicle carrying over 40 passengers, most of them women and children, veered off the road and plunged 25 to 30 feet after it failed to climb an incline - possibly due to overloading -- and rolled back down before toppling into the gorge at around 1 pm, a police officer said.

The victims, who hailed from Papalwadi village, were headed to Shree Kshetra Mahadev Kundeshwar Temple in Khed tehsil in the western Maharashtra district to mark the auspicious Monday of the Shravan month when the accident took place near Pait village, he said, reported PTI.

"Ten women died and 30 others sustained injuries in the accident," the officer said, adding nearly a dozen ambulances rushed the injured persons to nearby hospitals, reported PTI.

The deceased were identified by police as Mandabai Darekar (50), Sanjabai Darekar (50), Mirabai Chorghe (50), Shobha Papal (33), Suman Papal (30), Shakubai Chorghe (50), Sharda Chorghe (45), Baidabai Darekar (45), Parvati Papal (56) and Phasabai Sawant (61), all residents of Papalwadi in Khed tehsil, reported PTI.

Earlier, MLA Babaji Kale told ANI, "A total of nine women have died in the incident, all were farmers. They were going to the Kundeshwar temple for worship. Senior officials from the administration and police are present at the hospital to assist the victims. The incident happened at 12.30 pm today."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the accident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased.

"Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the accident. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO stated.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the death of several people.

"A tragic incident occurred under the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate at Kundeshwar, where a pickup vehicle carrying devotees visiting for Shravan Monday darshan met with an accident, resulting in the death of seven people. This event is deeply saddening. I offer my heartfelt tributes to them. We share in the grief of their families. Our condolences are with them in this difficult time," Devendra Fadnavis wrote on 'X'.

The Maharashtra CM informed that the state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the victims and stated that more than 20 people were injured in the accident, who have been admitted to various hospitals.

"Financial assistance of 4 lakh rupees will be provided to the families of the deceased on behalf of the state government. More than 20 people were injured in this accident and have been admitted to various hospitals. Arrangements are being made for their complete treatment, and I am personally in contact with the Police Commissioner," the 'X' post read.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is also the guardian minister of Pune district, said he has instructed the local administration to provide all necessary medical assistance free of cost to the injured.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)