Bus full of devotees returning from Ambaji overturns; 3 dead, over 20 injured

October 07, 2024
Gujarat

Ambaji: In a major accident near Trishulia Ghat, close to Danta, a private luxury bus returning from the pilgrimage site of Ambaji to Khedbrahma overturned on a highway.

At least three people were killed, and over 20 were injured in the accident. Initially, the police reported five fatalities, but updated information confirmed three deaths, with the remaining passengers receiving treatment at a nearby hospital in Palanpur.

Inspector Saroj Chaudhari from Danta police station stated, “The private bus, carrying 56 passengers, overturned on the highway, resulting in three deaths. Other passengers are currently receiving medical care.”

The bus, which was returning from Ambaji, collided with the railing, breaking it. Preliminary information suggests that the bus driver was intoxicated. A police convoy, including 108 ambulances, has reached the scene, and rescue operations are underway to evacuate passengers from the bus.

Ambaji PI RB Gohil stated that the pilgrims from Kheda-Nadiad had visited Ambaji the day before for darshan and were returning by bus that morning. The driver lost control near the Hanuman temple while descending Trishulia Ghat, causing the bus to fall off the road and overturn. More than 50 passengers were aboard. Locals assisted in transporting the injured to Palanpur Civil Hospital using 108 ambulances and private vehicles.

Ambulances from Palanpur, Danta, and Ambaji reached the site. Devotees from Kathalal village in Kheda district were involved in the accident while returning from darshan. Passengers reported that the driver was drunk and driving recklessly.

Regarding the incident, a passenger on the bus said, “We refused to let him drive, but the driver was busy making a reel. He hit four bumps before the bus overturned. The driver was the only one who ran away after the accident.”

Jitubhai, another passenger from Kathalal village, said, “We were coming from Ambaji in the morning when the accident happened. The driver took a curve too sharply, and it was his fault. There were about 50 to 52 people on board.”

Danta Health Officer Nisha Dabhi reported that emergency patients were received at the CHC due to the accident, with 25 seriously injured individuals referred to higher care. The remaining stable patients have been treated on-site.

Vijaybhai, who was also on the bus, stated, “We left the night before yesterday. We visited Shamlaji along the way and reached Ambaji via Khedbhrma and Koteshwar. After spending the night there, we were returning after darshan when, just two kilometers ahead, the driver lost control and overturned the bus. The bus belonged to Gayatri Travels, and there were about 60 of us on board.”

Banaskantha District Collector Mihir Patel visited the site and confirmed that approximately 60 passengers were on the bus. After receiving first aid, they were shifted to Palanpur for further treatment. Health teams have been deployed at Palanpur Civil Hospital to provide intensive care to the injured. The district administration is working diligently to ensure proper treatment for those affected. DeshGujarat

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