Accident On Pune-Nashik Highway Claims Four Lives During Saibaba Palkhi Ceremony
Sangamner (Ahmednagar district), 5th December 2023: In a tragic incident on the Pune-Nashik National Highway at Khandarmal (Taluka Sangamner), four people lost their lives and eight others sustained injuries on Sunday between 4 pm and 4:30 pm.
The accident took place when a speeding container collided with a procession of 150 Varakas participating in the Saibaba Palkhi ceremony of Kashinath Maharaj Mauli of Shirdi. The procession was en route from Sangamner to Alandi for the darshan of Saint Dnyaneshwar Mauli.
The deceased were identified as Balasaheb Arjun Gawli, Baban Patilba Thore, Bhausaheb Natha Jape, and Tarabai Gangadhar Game. Additionally, six individuals, including Bijlabai Shirole and Rajendra Karbhari Sarode, sustained injuries and were rushed to Ghargaon and Ale Phata for medical treatment.
The accident resulted in a chaotic scene, with a massive crowd and kilometres-long queues of vehicles. Emergency services, including ambulances, were deployed, and Collector Siddharam Salimath, Additional Superintendent of Police Swati Bhor, and Tehsildar Dheeraj Manjare reached the spot. The injured were provided medical assistance, and arrangements were made to transport pilgrims back to Shirdi, with Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil expressing condolences and instructing the administration to extend support to the affected families.
