Raigad bus accident: When the WhatsApp messages suddenly stopped
What's the story
When the members of Dapoli agriculture university started on a trip to Ambenali Ghat in Raigad, Pravin Randive wasn't happy. He couldn't join his colleagues as he was sick. His colleagues sending him pictures from the road trip and their banter kept Randive amused. Till the bus fell into a gorge and 33 people died. Only one survived the deadly accident.
The accident
Few people who died weren't even married
The bus skidded off the road and fell into a 500-feet-deep valley, which left 33 people dead. Reportedly, the driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a turn. The incessant rains and terrain of Western Ghats hampered the rescue operations. A NDRF team was rushed to the spot. Those who died were aged 30-45, and few of them weren't even married.
The messages
Randive says he kept messaging but got no reply
Pravin Randive said the last message on the group came at 9:30 AM. "They were supposed to stop for breakfast," he said. But when he messaged later, there was no response. Randive said he learned about the accident from the news. Further, he said more people were to join the picnic but opted out last minute, because the bus was small.
The escape
Lone survivor recalls how he manged to get out
Prakash Sawant, the lone survivor of the accident, recalled how he had a close shave with death. "The bus veered to the left and fell into the gorge before we could understand what was happening," he said. Sawant said the fall was obstructed by trees, and he managed to get out in time. "I climbed my way up somehow," he revealed.
Details
After accident, PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi express condolences
Sawant, somehow, reached the road where he saw a crowd and alerted authorities with their help. After the accident, CM Devendra Fadnavis said all necessary help to the kin of the deceased will be provided. The government announced ex-gratia of Rs. 4 lakh to families of departed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences.