NewsFlash Daily™
25 May 
Eight tourists feared dead after speeding Scorpio plunges into a 1000-foot gorge near the Mahabaleshwar road
Raigad: A horrific road accident in Maharashtra’s Raigad district claimed the lives of eight tourists after a speeding Scorpio car plunged into a deep gorge near the Mahabaleshwar-Poladpur road late Sunday night, officials confirmed.
The tragic accident occurred near the dangerous Ambenali Ghat stretch, a mountainous route known for sharp turns and steep valleys. Authorities said the vehicle lost control before falling into a gorge estimated by locals to be nearly 1,000 feet deep.
Rescue officials stated that two bodies had been recovered from the gorge at the time of reporting, while efforts were underway to retrieve the remaining victims trapped in the wreckage.
Raigad Gorge Accident Triggers Massive Rescue Operation
Immediately after the accident was reported, teams from the Poladpur police, local villagers, and emergency rescue personnel rushed to the scene and launched an intensive search and rescue operation.
Officials described the operation as extremely challenging due to the massive depth of the gorge, difficult terrain, and darkness prevailing in the forested hill region during the night.
Rescue workers were forced to navigate steep slopes and risky conditions while attempting to reach the crashed vehicle deep inside the valley.
“The rescue operation is difficult because of the depth of the gorge and poor visibility in the area,” officials involved in the operation stated.
Speeding Suspected in Fatal Maharashtra Road Accident
Preliminary investigation indicates that the Scorpio SUV was travelling at high speed before the driver allegedly lost control near the Ambenali Ghat section.
Police sources said the vehicle belonged to Asgaon village in Koregaon taluk of Satara district. The tourists were reportedly travelling from Dapoli to Satara when the accident took place.
Authorities are investigating whether overspeeding, dangerous curves, weather conditions, or driver error contributed to the fatal plunge into the gorge.
Ambenali Ghat Route is known for its dangerous curves
The Mahabaleshwar-Poladpur road, especially the Ambenali Ghat section, is considered one of the most dangerous hill routes in Maharashtra due to its steep slopes, blind turns, and deep valleys.
Accidents have been reported on the route in the past, particularly during nighttime travel and adverse weather conditions.
Local residents have repeatedly demanded stronger safety measures, including protective barriers, warning systems, and stricter speed monitoring on the ghat road to prevent fatal crashes.
Tourist Safety Concerns Rise After Deadly Crash
The latest tragedy has once again raised serious concerns over tourist vehicle safety on mountainous roads across Maharashtra.
Officials are expected to conduct a detailed technical investigation into the accident while rescue teams continue efforts at the crash site.
The identities of all the victims were yet to be officially confirmed as authorities informed relatives and coordinated recovery procedures.
