A major accident occurred on Monday morning along the Pune–Bengaluru Highway near Wathar village in Karad, Satara district, when a college bus carrying students from Late B.P. Junior College of Science, Pimplgaon (Nashik), plunged nearly 20 feet into a gorge.
Around 40–45 students on board
The bus was transporting students and teachers for an educational trip. According to initial accounts, the vehicle suddenly veered off the road, leaving the passengers terrified as it crashed into the gorge.
Local villagers rushed to the rescue
Residents near Wathar village immediately rushed to the site and began rescue operations even before authorities arrived. Eyewitnesses described panic and chaos inside the bus as students tried to escape.
Thanks to the quick response of locals, all passengers were safely pulled out of the bus.
Five students critically injured
- 5 students sustained serious injuries
- 15+ students received minor injuries
The critically injured students were admitted to Krishna Hospital in Karad, where they are undergoing intensive treatment and observation.
Cause of accident still unclear
The Karad Police reached the spot and launched an investigation. While loss of control is suspected, the exact reason behind the bus veering off the road is yet to be established.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about student safety during educational tours and the need for strict adherence to road safety norms on national highways.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
