A tragic accident claimed seven lives and left more than 20 injured after a pickup van carrying women and children to the Kundeshwar temple fell 25-30 feet down a slope in Papalwadi village under Mahalunge MIDC police station, Pune, Maharashtra, on Monday.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivaji Pawar confirmed that the injured have been admitted to various hospitals and are receiving medical care.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured. He announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
In a post on X Prime Minister’s Office stated, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to an accident in Pune, Maharashtra. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the mishap. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his grief over the incident on X, offering condolences to the families of the victims. “A tragic incident occurred under the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate at Kundeshwar, where a pickup vehicle carrying devotees visiting for Shravan Monday darshan met with an accident, resulting in the death of 7 people. This event is deeply saddening. I offer my heartfelt tributes to them. We share in the grief of their families,” he wrote.
Fadnavis also announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh from the state government to the families of the deceased. He added that arrangements are underway for the complete treatment of the injured, and he is personally in contact with the Police Commissioner.
Earlier, on Saturday evening in Nagpur, part of an under-construction gate near Koradi temple collapsed, injuring several workers.
-ANI