RoadAccident – Eight Tourists Killed After SUV Falls Into Maharashtra Gorge
RoadAccident – A devastating road accident in Maharashtra’s Raigad district claimed the lives of eight people after a Scorpio SUV lost control and plunged into a deep gorge along the dangerous Ambenali Ghat stretch on the Poladpur-Mahabaleshwar highway. The incident triggered a large-scale rescue mission involving police officials, emergency responders, and local residents who worked continuously for several hours to recover the victims from the valley.
Accident Took Place Near Dabhil Village
According to officials, the accident occurred near Dabhil village when the SUV carrying eight tourists reportedly failed to negotiate a sharp curve on the hilly route. The vehicle then fell nearly 1,000 to 1,200 feet into a steep gorge. Authorities said the group was travelling back to Satara from Harnai Port when the tragedy took place during the early hours of Sunday.
Police sources stated that information regarding the crash was first received by the Poladpur Police Station late on May 24. Emergency teams immediately rushed to the location with rescue equipment, ambulances, and other medical support arrangements. Due to the difficult mountain terrain, rescue personnel faced major challenges in reaching the damaged vehicle and locating the victims.
Rescue Teams Faced Difficult Conditions
The rescue operation continued for nearly 20 hours because of the dangerous landscape, thick vegetation, and scattered locations of the bodies inside the gorge. Senior police officers supervised the mission while several rescue teams coordinated efforts throughout the night and following day.
Raigad Superintendent of Police Anchal Dalal monitored the operation along with Additional Superintendent of Police Abhijit Shivthare, Mahad Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shankar Kale, and Poladpur Police Station officials. Local villagers also joined the rescue efforts and assisted authorities in navigating the steep hillside.
Officials confirmed that all eight occupants of the SUV died in the accident. The victims were identified as Ansh Sameer Chavan, Ritesh Rajendra Lokhande, Suhas Jitendra Lokhande, Utkarsh Anand Shingte, Nikhil Abhimanyu Shingte, Mahesh Anil Pawar, Aditya Ashok Salunkhe, and driver Sandeep Ashok Katkar.
Investigation Into Fatal Crash Underway
Police have registered a Fatal Motor Accident case at the Poladpur Police Station following the incident. Investigators are currently examining the exact circumstances that caused the vehicle to veer off the road. Authorities are also expected to study road conditions, visibility, and the condition of the SUV involved in the crash.
Officials stated that the Ambenali Ghat route is known for its sharp bends, deep valleys, and challenging driving conditions, especially during night travel and low visibility periods. Police teams are continuing their inquiry under the supervision of Inspector Anand Rawde, while Police Constable Kondalkar has been assigned to handle the investigation process.
Leaders Express Grief Over Loss of Lives
Several political leaders and public officials expressed sorrow over the tragic deaths. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and described the incident as deeply painful. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Deputy Chairperson Sunetra Pawar also expressed sympathy and prayed for strength for the bereaved families.
The accident has once again raised concerns regarding road safety measures on hilly routes in Maharashtra, particularly on stretches known for dangerous turns and steep drops. Authorities are expected to review safety arrangements and emergency response preparedness in accident-prone sections of the highway.