Chakan: Eight women died in an accident involving a tempo near Chakan in Pune district on Monday. A total of 17 people, including 15 women and two men, are reported to be injured. The tempo was going to Kundeshwar in Khed taluka from Pait village.
It was the third Monday of the holy month of Shravan. In Maharashtrian culture, it is considered extremely holy, and people celebrate it by going to Lord Shiva's temple.
But this celebration turned tragic when the tempo, on the way to the famous temple, fell into a pit 25–30 feet deep.
The deceased have been identified as Shobha Papal, Suman Papal, Sharda Chorghe, Shakuntala Chorghe, Manda Darekar, Sanjeevani Darekar, Meerabai Chorghe and Baydabai Darekar.
Police said that around 35 women were going to Kundeshwar from Pait village, just 5 km away. After travelling 2 km, the tempo driver lost control and the tempo went into a pit.
Many people from Khed taluka go to Kundeshwar Temple regularly. Rarely do accidents like these take place. Today, however, was a surprise. The devotees and villagers passing nearby tried to help the accident victims. However, seven women died before they could get treatment, and one woman died while treatment was ongoing.
Officials fear that the number of deceased could increase. Some of the injured people are reported to be serious, but a majority are now stable, police sources confirmed.
The incident happened under the limits of Mahalunge MIDC Police Station. Mahalunge MIDC Police are reportedly filing a case of rash driving and culpable homicide against the driver. However, Senior Police Inspector Digambar Suryawanshi, in charge of Mahalunge MIDC Police Station, was not available for comment to confirm this.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dr Shivaji Pawar has confirmed this incident. He said that the injured are undergoing treatment at various hospitals, and an investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that the state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
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