Terrifying Bus Accident in Ratnagiri’s Shenale Ghat Major Disaster Averted
Ratnagiri: A state transport (ST) bus traveling from Dabhol to Mumbai met with a severe accident at Shenale Ghat, Ratnagiri, around midnight on Sunday. The accident occurred when the driver lost control of the vehicle while navigating the steep slopes of the ghat, causing the bus to plunge into a valley.
Accident Averted by a Tree
The ST bus was on a dangerous trajectory towards a nearby dam, which could have resulted in a catastrophic disaster with significant loss of life. However, the vehicle came to a halt after colliding with a tree in the valley, preventing it from reaching the dam below. The impact left the bus leaning on its side, with passengers trapped inside.
Rescue Delayed Due to Night Conditions
Since the incident took place late at night, rescue operations were delayed. The passengers, jolted awake by the crash, clung to hope as help arrived. Local residents noticed the accident and alerted emergency services. Upon reaching the site, the rescue team safely evacuated all 41 passengers. Among them, seven sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
Passengers’ Courage to Escape
The trapped passengers were seen urging others who could exit the bus to do so in order to save as many lives as possible. Their composure during the crisis has been widely praised.
Official Response
Officials from the ST Corporation arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Preliminary reports suggest that the accident was caused due to the driver losing control while navigating a sharp turn. The bus had departed from Dapoli at 11:30 pm and was en route to Mumbai via Dabhol and Mandangad when the accident occurred.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced while traveling through treacherous ghats and the importance of stringent safety measures for public transportation.
