In a tragic incident on the morning of February 2, 2025, a private bus carrying 48 pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh plunged into a 35-foot-deep gorge near the Saputara hill station in Gujarat’s Dang district. The accident occurred around 4:15 am when the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading it to break through a crash barrier and fall into the gorge.
Five individuals, including two women and the driver, lost their lives at the scene. Seventeen others sustained serious injuries and were transported to the civil hospital in Ahwa for treatment. An additional 18 passengers suffered minor injuries and received care at nearby community health centers.
The pilgrims, hailing from Guna, Shivpuri, and Ashok Nagar districts in Madhya Pradesh, had embarked on a pilgrimage on December 23, 2024, visiting various religious sites across multiple states. They had departed from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra’s Nashik district and made a brief stop at Saputara for a tea break before the accident occurred approximately 2.5 kilometers from the hill station.
Preliminary reports suggest that a brake failure may have caused the driver to lose control of the bus. Local authorities, including police and medical personnel, responded promptly to the incident, conducting rescue operations and providing medical assistance to the injured.
This tragic event highlights the critical importance of vehicle maintenance and adherence to safety protocols, especially when transporting large groups over long distances.