A tragic bus accident on February 2, 2025, at the Saputara Ghat of Gujarat has left seven pilgrims dead and fifteen others injured. The bus, which was packed with devotees returning from the Kumbh Mela, plunged 200 feet off the road, giving way to widespread grief and shock.
According to initial reports, the private bus was making its way to various religious sites across Gujarat when it lost control. Mahesh Patel, the district collector, indicated the likely cause of the accident to be brake failure. He stated, "The driver lost control of the bus due to brake failure." Eyewitnesses noted the horrific sight as the bus veered off the road, breaking through side barriers before tumbling down the hill.
Onboard were approximately 48 passengers from the Shivpuri, Guna, and Ashok Nagar districts of Madhya Pradesh. The group had embarked on their pilgrimage on December 23, 2024, traveling through various holy sites including Shirdi and Nashik before heading toward Gujarat. The pilgrims were hopeful for their religious expedition when tragedy struck.
Local emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, transporting the injured to hospitals like Ahwa and Surat for urgent care. The injured included both serious and minor cases, with reports confirming 15 individuals receiving treatment. Unfortunately, the situation worsened when news emerged of another victim, Shantiben Laudha, succumbing to her injuries en route to Surat, bringing the death toll to seven.
The scale of this calamity has struck deep within the community. “This tragic incident has left the families devastated as they lost their loved ones during what was supposed to be a joyous pilgrimage,” commented another local official, highlighting the emotional turmoil this accident has caused within the bereaved families.
Efforts are being made to reach out to the families affected by this unfortunate event, and local authorities are ensuring the necessary support for the injured is provided. District collector, Mahesh Patel, is proactively involved, having visited the injured and coordinated relief operations as the news broke.
The bus confiscated during this horrific accident was returning from the Kumbh, filled with the hopes and prayers of its passengers, but instead met with tragedy. Community members and officials alike are grappling with the reality of loss, and memorial services are expected to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.