8 dead, 7 injured as vehicle carrying pilgrims falls into well in Maharashtra

At least eight people, including four women and four children, lost their lives after a pickup van carrying pilgrims plunged into a roadside well in Maharashtra. Seven other people also sustained severe injuries in the accident.

Sources close to the development told India Today that all the passengers were returning to Ranjini village after visiting the revered Siddhanath temple to offer prayers. En route to their home, the driver suddenly lost control, which resulted in the death of eight people.

"As per the preliminary information, the pick-up vehicle carrying 15 people fell into a roadside well after the driver lost control. Eight people, including four women and four children, were killed while seven others sustained injuries," said Atul Kulkarni, a senior police officer in the Solapur district.

The authorities responded swiftly upon learning about the incident. Several rescue



teams rushed to the spot and initiated a rescue operation. With the help of the locals, they rescued seven people and sent them to the nearby hospital, where they are presently undergoing treatment.

Locals, who gathered at the accident spot, also helped in rescue operations.

A probe has been launched to ascertain the reason behind the accident. The local administration is investigating whether the car was veering off the road when the accident occurred. Further details of the investigation are awaited.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident and announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person.

Describing the accident as "extremely unfortunate and tragic", Fadnavis stated, "I offer my heartfelt condolences to the deceased and share the grief of their families."