Eight Killed After Scorpio Plunges Into Deep Gorge at Ambenali Ghat in Maharashtra’s Raigad

In a tragic road accident, at least eight people lost their lives after a Scorpio SUV plunged into a deep gorge near the dangerous Ambenali Ghat in Maharashtra’s Raigad district on Monday. The accident took place on the stretch connecting Mahabaleshwar and Poladpur, an area notorious for fatal mishaps due to its sharp turns, steep slopes, and difficult terrain.

According to preliminary information, all eight passengers travelling in the vehicle died in the accident. Rescue teams, aided by local trekkers and administration officials, rushed to the spot soon after the incident was reported. However, the rescue operation faced severe challenges because the vehicle had fallen into a gorge estimated to be around 500 to 700 feet deep.

Officials said that two bodies were initially recovered during the night-long rescue operation, while efforts to retrieve the remaining victims continued. Darkness and the treacherous terrain made the operation extremely difficult. Authorities expressed hope that daylight would help accelerate the search and recovery mission.

A senior police official stated that the victims were residents of Satara district and were returning from Dapoli to Satara when the accident occurred. It is suspected that the group had travelled to the Konkan region or Mahabaleshwar for a visit before the tragedy struck.

The Scorpio SUV is reportedly registered in Asgaon village of Satara district.

The deceased have been identified as:

1. Ansh Sameer Chavan (19), resident of Borgaon, Chiplun tehsil, Ratnagiri district
2. Ritesh Rajendra Lokhande (22), resident of Asgaon, Satara district
3. Suhas Jitendra Lokhande (20), resident of Asgaon, Satara district
4. Utkarsh Anand Shingte (21), resident of Marde, Satara district
5. Nikhil Abhimanyu Shingte (25), resident of Marde, Satara district
6. Mahesh Anil Pawar (25), resident of Asgaon, Satara district
7. Aditya Ashok Salunkhe (21), resident of Asgaon, Satara district
8. Rajesh Ashok Katkar (35), resident of Khataw tehsil, Satara district

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with the Ambenali Ghat route, which has witnessed several serious accidents over the years. The ghat section, situated along the border of Raigad and Satara districts, is considered one of the most hazardous mountain roads in Maharashtra, especially during adverse weather conditions and at night.

Local residents, rescue volunteers, police personnel, and disaster response teams continued their efforts at the accident site as authorities began further investigation into the exact cause of the mishap. Initial indications suggest that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle while navigating the steep ghat road.

The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over the victims’ native villages in Satara district, where grieving families awaited the return of their loved ones.