In a heartbreaking incident, nine individuals including a six-year-old child lost their lives in a severe road accident near Jejuri in Pune district, Maharashtra, during the early hours of Wednesday, June 19.
According to officials, the accident occurred when an SUV collided with a container truck on the Pune-Satara highway around 4:45 am. The victims, all members of the same family, were reportedly returning to their hometown in Baramati after a pilgrimage to the temple town of Jejuri. Preliminary reports indicate that the SUV may have been speeding, leading to the devastating crash.
Among the deceased were four women, four men, and one child, with some victims being identified on-site. The police and rescue teams quickly reached the spot to retrieve the bodies and clear the wreckage. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the collision.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and offered condolences to the grieving families. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the kin of each deceased individual and ₹50,000 for the injured, under the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also mourned the loss, stating the government will extend full support to the affected families.
The tragic accident has once again raised questions about road safety and reckless driving on Indian highways, urging authorities to strengthen measures for safer travel.
