Daijiworld Media Network - Nandurbar

Nandurbar, Oct 18: A tragic road accident claimed the lives of at least seven devotees and left more than 10 seriously injured on Saturday morning near Chandsaili Ghat in Maharashtra’s Nandurbar district, as they were returning from the Astamba Yatra.

According to early reports, the vehicle carrying around 40 passengers lost control while navigating a sharp turn on the ghat section and overturned with great force. The impact was fatal for seven passengers, who died at the scene, while the injured were rushed to the Taloda Sub-District Hospital. Several of them remain in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise.

Local villagers and bystanders were quick to respond, helping police in the initial rescue efforts. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and devastation as victims were pulled from the wreckage.

Police suspect speeding and loss of control as the primary causes of the accident. A formal investigation is underway, and efforts are on to identify the deceased. Postmortem procedures are being conducted before the bodies are handed over to their families.

The victims were returning from the Astamba Yatra — a deeply rooted tribal pilgrimage held annually in Akrani Tehsil during Diwali. The fair, one of the most significant for tribal communities in South Gujarat and North West Maharashtra, typically draws thousands of participants over a span of 10 to 15 days.

The incident has cast a shadow over the festive season in the region, with grief gripping local communities in the aftermath of the accident.