Drowning Accident – Four Family Members Die in Nashik Dam Tragedy
Drowning Accident – A tragic incident at Maharashtra’s Gangapur Dam claimed the lives of four people, including three teenage cousins and a young woman, leaving families and residents in deep shock. The accident occurred near the popular dam site in Nashik district and has brought grief to Savargaon village and nearby communities.
Victims Identified by Authorities
Officials from the district disaster management administration confirmed that those who lost their lives were Ganesh Gotarne (16), Sahil Gotarne (16), Nikhil Gotarne (16), all residents of Savargaon, and Mayuri Jadhav (21), who lived in Talegaon Anjaneri. Their deaths have saddened relatives and local residents, many of whom gathered to support the affected families.
Family Gathering Turned Into Tragedy
According to preliminary information, members of the Gotarne family had organized a traditional community meal known as “Dhondya-che Jevan” on Thursday. Relatives and guests had gathered for the occasion, spending time together during the festive event.
Later in the day, Mayuri Jadhav reportedly suggested a visit to the spillway area near Gangapur Dam. She was accompanied by several family members and relatives who decided to travel to the location after lunch.
Sudden Change in Water Depth Led to Emergency
After arriving at the dam site, the group entered the water. Witness accounts indicate that the water initially appeared shallow and safe. However, those present were reportedly unaware of sudden drops in depth and hidden depressions beneath the surface.
During their time in the water, one of the teenagers accidentally moved into a deeper section and began struggling. Family members immediately attempted to help, but the rescue effort quickly turned dangerous as others became trapped in stronger currents and deeper water.
Rescue Attempts Could Not Save Four Lives
In the confusion that followed, one of the older youths managed to bring a young woman safely out of the water. Despite desperate efforts to save everyone, three teenage boys and Mayuri Jadhav disappeared beneath the surface.
A survivor quickly returned to the village and informed local residents about the emergency. Villagers and nearby youths rushed to the dam and began search operations without waiting for official rescue teams.
Villagers Launch Immediate Search Operation
Using available boats and local resources, residents worked tirelessly to locate the missing individuals. Their efforts continued until all four bodies were eventually recovered from the water.
The young woman who had been rescued was taken to a medical facility for treatment. Authorities later transported the bodies of the deceased to the District Government Hospital, where post-mortem examinations were conducted.
Popular Tourist Spot Draws Thousands Daily
Gangapur Dam is widely known as one of the major tourist attractions in the Nashik region. The site reportedly receives thousands of visitors every day, especially during weekends and holiday periods.
The area includes recreational facilities such as boating activities and attracts large numbers of young visitors from Nashik and surrounding districts. Despite the presence of safety arrangements, the latest tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers associated with entering unfamiliar water bodies, particularly in locations where sudden depth variations and underwater hazards may not be visible.
The incident has left the entire region mourning the loss of four young lives and has renewed discussions about water safety awareness at popular tourist destinations.