In two separate, tragic incidents in Gujarat, devotees suffered two accidents, which led to one death and 47 people injured.

35 pilgrims injured in bus accident in Banaskantha

Around 35 pilgrims were injured in a bus accident near Hadad Patiya, close to the holy town of Ambaji in Gujarat’s Banaskantha, on the second day of the Bhadarvi Poonam fair on Sept 24, officials said.

The incident occurred when a private bus, descending a steep slope, collided with a rock during the return journey from Ambaji.

The Bhadarvi Poonam festival, celebrated from Sept 23-29, attracts over 15 lakh pilgrims from both Gujarat and outside to Ambaji, prompting special arrangements by the local administration for the devotees.

A total of 46 pilgrims from Kanjari village in Kheda district had come to offer prayers at the shrine located in the Arasur hills. They were in the luxury bus, which lost control while descending.

Local officials reported that 18 of the injured passengers were transferred to a civil hospital in Palanpur, while the rest received treatment at a government hospital in Ambaji town.

Over 20 fell into drain in Rajkot, one killed

One person was killed and 12 others were injured on Sept 24 in Rajkot after 20 people fell into a drain as the slab laid over it on which they were standing collapsed, an official said.

According to an official, the incident occurred due to overcrowding, with people gathering in large numbers to visit a Ganesh Puja pandal near Sarveshwar Chowk. 

Quick response teams, including 11 ambulances and fire brigade personnel, rushed to the scene to carry out rescue operations. 

Municipal commissioner Anand Patel said: “The injured individuals were sent to the civil hospital. Rescue operations are underway (to check if anyone is trapped).” 

Owing to the tragic incident, CM Bhupendra Patel will no longer attend the bridge inauguration of the Madhapar Chokdi bridge, but would attend it virtually, according to reports.

(Source: IANS)

-Edited for style

For more such updates and news on the go, follow us on

Instagram | YouTube | Facebook