Pavagadh, May 4th  - A tragic accident occurred at the Machi area of Pavagadh, a pilgrimage site in Halol tehsil, Panchmahal district, when a stone slab from a rest shed collapsed, killing a woman and injuring eight others. All the injured individuals have been admitted to the nearby Halol hospital.

The rest shed, located near Chachar Chowk in Machi, was constructed with concrete slabs to provide shelter and convenience for pilgrims. On Thursday afternoon, a sudden thunderstorm and heavy rain prompted many devotees to seek refuge under the rest shed. Amidst the downpour, the stone slab unexpectedly fell, trapping several people underneath.

By the time the victims were freed from the debris, one woman had already succumbed to her injuries. Among the injured were three men, three women, and two children. One woman sustained severe injuries to her stomach, while another suffered a head injury.

Local residents and police quickly responded to the incident, with private vehicles and the 108 emergency ambulance service transporting the injured to Halol hospital. Most of the victims were members of the same family. The deceased woman was identified as 40-year-old Gangaben Devipujak. The injured included Meenaben Palas (21), Rajvansh Devipujak (21), Sumitraben Rathwa (18), Vijaybhai Devipujak (25), Mariben Devipujak (5), Deepakbhai Devipujak (28), Sonalben Devipujak (30), and Daksha Devipujak (2).