According to the police, 12 pilgrims and some of their relatives from Umesh Nagar area of Dombivli (West) in Thane had embarked on a religious trip two days ago.
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Solapur: A tragic accident occurred in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. A speeding truck collided with a van carrying pilgrims.
Four people, including a child, died in the accident, and 10 others were injured. Police said the incident took place late Monday evening near Deogaon Shivara village in Mangalvedha taluka.
Pilgrims were on a religious trip
According to the police, 12 pilgrims and some of their relatives from Umesh Nagar area of Dombivli (West) in Thane had embarked on a religious trip two days ago.
They were visiting temples in Solapur, Kolhapur, and surrounding areas. After visiting the Tulja Bhavani temple in Dharashiv district and other temples, they were on their way to Pandharpur, where the temple of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini is located. The truck collided with their van at around 7:30 pm.
One child, 3 women dead
Police said that Sonam Ahire, Savita Gupta, and Yogini Kekane died on the spot. A critically injured child succumbed to his injuries during treatment at a government hospital in Solapur.
A police officer said, "The truck was coming at a very high speed and collided head-on with the van. The front of the van was completely destroyed." The truck driver has been taken into custody, and an investigation is underway.
Truck driver taken into custody
Family members of the victims in Dombivli said that the trip was planned due to the long weekend. A relative of the Kekane family said that they were supposed to return home after visiting Pandharpur, but this accident happened on the way.
A local resident said that most of the victims lived in the Shevanta Heights building in Umesh Nagar. A wave of grief swept through the entire area after the incident.
Injured undergoing treatment
The injured women and children have been admitted to the district hospital in Solapur. Police said their condition is stable.
Upon receiving news of the accident, state BJP president Ravindra Chavan spoke to officials in Solapur and instructed them to provide the injured with the best possible medical treatment.
