Pune, 13th July 2026: A preliminary investigation into the fatal road accident during the Ashadhi Wari near Jejuri has found that the truck driver, who was reportedly unwell and on medication, lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another vehicle, killing three women pilgrims and injuring four others on Monday morning.
The accident took place around 8.30 am on the Saswad–Jejuri road, about 500 metres ahead of the Belsar toll plaza near Hotel Shipdeep Lodging. The truck was part of the convoy accompanying the Ranganath Maharaj Pokharbiskar Dindi from Loha in Nanded district.
According to officials, the 70-year-old driver had taken medicine for fever and cold before starting the journey. During the drive towards Jejuri, he allegedly tried to overtake another vehicle but suddenly veered the truck to the left after losing control.
The vehicle then ran into seven women Warkaris from a Dindi of Kasbe Digraj in Sangli district who were on the designated vehicle route. The driver has been held responsible for the accident, and further investigation is underway.
Three women lost their lives in the accident, while four others suffered injuries and were rushed to an ICU-equipped hospital in Jejuri for treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Nanda Pawar (60) of Kavalapur, Madhavi Rajaram Salgare (55) of Malgaon, and Rajshri Shankar Bhosale (55) of Kasbe Digraj, all from Miraj taluka in Sangli district.
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi said the administration has held the driver responsible for the accident. He said the families of the deceased will receive ₹4 lakh each as government compensation, while the treatment expenses of the injured will be borne by the government.
The Collector also said the district administration would review and strengthen safety arrangements for the Wari procession to prevent similar incidents in the future.
