Seven people, including women and children, lost their lives and over 20 others sustained injuries when a pick-up van plunged 25–30 feet down a slope in Papalwadi village, under the Mahalunge MIDC police station limits in Maharashtra, on Monday.
Tragedy during temple visit
The van was carrying devotees to the Kundeshwar temple for Shravan Monday darshan when the accident occurred. Police officials said the victims were mostly women and children from the surrounding areas.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivaji Pawar confirmed that the injured were rushed to various hospitals in the region for treatment.
CM expresses grief and announces compensation
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a post on X, he said,
“A tragic incident occurred under the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate at Kundeshwar, where a pickup vehicle carrying devotees 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.”
He further announced that the state government will provide ₹4 lakh in financial assistance to the families of each deceased victim. He also assured that the injured, numbering more than 20, are receiving full medical attention.
“Arrangements are being made for their complete treatment, and I am personally in contact with the Police Commissioner,” the CM stated.
Previous temple-related mishap in Maharashtra
This incident comes just two days after another accident at a religious site in the state. On Saturday evening, between 8:00 and 8:15 pm, part of an under-construction gate near the Koradi temple in Nagpur collapsed, creating a cloud of dust and injuring several workers.