Pune Accident News: Ten women died and 30 others were injured when a pick-up van carrying more than 40 passengers fell off a road and plunged into a gorge on Monday, August 11, 2025. The vehicle, mostly carrying women and children, failed to climb a steep incline near Pait village in Pune district. It then rolled back and fell about 25 to 30 feet into the gorge around 1 pm. The devotees were travelling to Shree Kshetra Mahadev Kundeshwar Temple in Khed tehsil for darshan on the third Monday of the holy month of Shravan. Most of the victims were from Papalwadi village.
The deceased were identified as Mandabai Darekar, Sanjabai Darekar, Mirabai Chorghe, Shobha Papal, Suman Papal, Shakubai Chorghe, Sharda Chorghe, Baidabai Darekar, Parvati Papal, and Phasabai Sawant. All were residents of Papalwadi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the accident. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the families of each deceased. Injured persons will receive Rs 50,000, the Prime Minister's Office said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed sorrow. He announced Rs 4 lakh compensation for the next of kin of each victim in a post on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the guardian minister of Pune district, said the local administration has been asked to provide free medical assistance to the injured.
(With inputs from agencies)