A pick-up van carrying pilgrims plunged 25 to 30 feet into a gorge near Kundeshwar Temple in Papalwadi village, Khed early Monday morning. As a result, eight people died on the spot and 29 others suffered serious injuries.
Immediately, rescue teams reached the site and pulled out the victims. They rushed the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment. “Eight people have been confirmed dead so far, while 29 others are undergoing treatment in various hospitals,” said DCP Pawar. He noted that women and children were among the victims.
Officials release names of deceased
Meanwhile, authorities identified the deceased as Shobha Dnyaneshwar Papal, Suman Kaluram Papal, Sharda Ramdas Chorge, Manda Kanif Darekar, Sanjeevani Kailas Darekar, Mirabai Sambhaji Chorge, Baidabai Nyayneshwar Darekar, and Shakuntala Tanaji Chorghe.
In addition, four injured — Alka Shivaji Chorghe, Ranjana Dattatray Kolekar, Malubai Laxman Chorghe, and Jaya Balu Darekar — received treatment locally, while others were transferred to larger hospitals.
Injured treated across multiple hospitals
At Pokharkar Hospital, Khed, doctors are treating Lata Tai Karande, Ruturaj Kotwal, Rishikesh Karande, Nikita Papal, and Jayshree Papal.
Similarly, Gawde Hospital is caring for Shakuntala Chorghe and Manisha Darekar.
Furthermore, Shivtirth Hospital has admitted Laxmi Chandrakant Kolekar, Kalabai Malhari Londhe, Janabai Karande, Fasabai Sawant, Supriya Londhe, and Nishant Londhe.
In Chakan’s Care Well Hospital, Siddhi Dnyaneshwar Papal remains under observation.
At Bambale Hospital, victims include Kavita Sarang Chorghe, Sulabai Balasaheb Chorghe, Siddhikar Ramdas Chorghe, and Chhababai Nivrutti Papal.
Meanwhile, Sainath Hospital in Bhosari is treating Sulochana Kolekar, Mangal Sharad Darekar, Poonam Vanaji Papal, and Jaibai Vanaji Papal.
Finally, Salunkhe Hospital in Khed is caring for Chitra Sharad Karande, Chandrabaga Dattatray Darekar, and Manda Changdev Papal.
Police describe the scene
Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey said the accident occurred in the ghat section. “The injured are currently recuperating in private hospitals in Khed tehsil,” he said.
According to senior police inspector Digambar Suryavanshi, the crash site was littered with broken bangles and scattered footwear. “Many injured women went into shock after seeing the deceased. We quickly moved them to hospitals, where they are receiving proper care,” he said.
Pilgrims on holy journey
At the time of the accident, the group was travelling to Kundeshwar Temple for prayers on the third Monday of Shravan, a holy month for Hindus.
PM Modi announces aid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on X. “May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” he posted.
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.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 11, 2025
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be…
Cause under investigation
Currently, police are probing the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings indicate the van was overcrowded and the driver may have lost control on a steep turn.