‘Driver lost control, a few women jumped out and were saved’: relatives of injured in accident in Pune’s Khed

“Their vehicle was going uphill on the ghat, and suddenly it started rolling backwards. The driver could not control the vehicle as the road was curving around the ghat. The vehicle fell, and rolled over,” said the sister of Mangal Darekar, one of the injured.

“A few of the ladies jumped out of the van, and they were saved. After the vehicle fell, Mangal said she became unconscious, and did not realise anything. She has an operation scheduled on her leg for today,” the sister, who didn’t want to be named, said.

Darekar’s sister said she was informed about the accident immediately. (Express Photo by Arul Horizon)

Ravi Kolekar, the son of Sulochna, who was injured in the accident, said, “They (doctors) are not telling us much. She hasn’t gained consciousness. Her BP was low, and she has been put on the machine (ventilator). They have said that for the next 24-48 hours, she will have to be on the machine. We are waiting for the senior doctor to arrive so she can give us more updates.”

Darekar’s sister said she was informed about the accident immediately. “Soon after the accident happened, we got a call. We knew our sister was in it. We inquired in Chandowli, and they told us our patient was fine and admitted at Bhosare. They informed us she is admitted to Sainath Hospital.”

She added that the police arrived at the hospital Monday night and spoke to her sister for one or two hours, noting down the events. “The local MLA visited as well,” she said.

The police said the victims have been identified as Mandabai Kanif Darekar, 50; Sanjabai Kailas Darekar, 50; Meerabai Sambhaji Chorge, 50; Shobha Dnyaneshwar Papal, 33; Suman Kaluram Papal, 50; Sharada Ramdas Chorge, 45; Parvatibai Dattu Papal, 56; Baydabai Dnyaneshwar Darekar, 45; Shakuntala Tanaji Chorge, 50, and Fasabai Prabhu Sawant, 61.

The van driver, Rushikesh Karande, survived the accident, and was taken to a hospital for treatment.