Five Dead, 35 Injured as Pilgrim Bus Falls Into Gorge in Gujarat’s Dang District
Dang (Gujarat), February 2 – In a tragic accident, a private bus carrying pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh plunged into a 35-foot-deep gorge near Saputara Hill Station in Gujarat’s Dang district early Sunday morning, resulting in five fatalities and 35 injuries, officials confirmed.
Accident Details
The incident occurred around 4:15 AM when the driver lost control of the bus, which was carrying 48 pilgrims on a religious tour across various states. The vehicle crashed through a barrier before tumbling into the ravine.
According to District Superintendent of Police S.G. Patil, the five deceased include three men and two women, with the bus driver among the victims.
"Five people lost their lives on the spot, while 17 others sustained serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at Ahwa Civil Hospital. The remaining injured have been admitted to nearby community health centers (CHCs),” Patil said.
Pilgrims on a Religious Journey
The pilgrims were en route to Dwarka from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra when the tragedy occurred. They had stopped briefly for tea in Saputara, a well-known hill station in Gujarat, before resuming their journey. The accident occurred just 2.5 kilometers from their stop.
The group, comprising devotees from Guna, Shivpuri, and Ashoknagar districts of Madhya Pradesh, had embarked on a religious tour on December 23, 2024, traveling in four separate buses to visit various pilgrimage sites across India. One of these buses met with the accident.
Possible Brake Failure Suspected
District Collector Mahesh Patel suggested that brake failure might have led to the crash, though a detailed investigation is underway.
"Survivors mentioned that they had taken a tea break before continuing their journey. It is suspected that brake failure caused the driver to lose control. Medical teams are attending to the injured," Patel said.
Rescue Operations and Medical Aid
Local villagers, along with police and rescue personnel, rushed to the scene to evacuate passengers from the wreckage. Emergency responders transported the injured to hospitals in nearby towns, with the most critically wounded transferred to Ahwa Civil Hospital for further treatment.
Victims Identified
According to Madhya Pradesh Police Inspector General Arvind Saxena, the deceased have been identified as:
- Bus driver Ratan Lal Jatav (Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh)
- Bolaram Kushwaha (Madhya Pradesh)
- Pappu Yadav (Madhya Pradesh)
- Guddibai (Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh)
- Kamlesh Bai Yadav (Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh)
Authorities Respond
Authorities have launched an investigation into the exact cause of the crash, while efforts continue to provide medical aid to the injured. Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat governments are coordinating relief efforts, ensuring the victims receive proper care and assistance.
This tragic accident highlights the need for enhanced road safety measures, particularly in hilly terrains like Saputara, where steep slopes and winding roads pose challenges to drivers.
