3 women pilgrims killed, 4 injured as truck runs over Warkaris in Pune district

Maharashtra | On Warkari accident, Dy CM Sunetra Pawar says, “I have just met the women who were injured in the accident. This is an extremely painful and tragic incident. A truck entered the procession, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of three women. I pay my heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/waqLfLLpZM

— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2026

Unwell driver

The Health Department said the injured pilgrims were shifted to various hospitals and are receiving free treatment under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

The police said the truck was part of a group of Warkaris from Loha in Nanded district, and was among the vehicles accompanying the Palkhi. The truck was travelling towards Jejuri when it struck seven women pilgrims from a Dindi or a group of warkaris belonging to Kasbe Digraj in Sangli district.

“Preliminary inquiry indicates that the 70-year-old driver was unwell and had taken medication for fever and a cold. While attempting to overtake another vehicle, he suddenly swerved the truck to the left, causing it to hit the women pilgrims,” a Pune Rural police officer said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the deaths as “an extremely heartbreaking incident” and announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the victims.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar also visited the injured pilgrims at the hospital.

Probe underway

Senior police officers reached the spot and supervised rescue operations, medical assistance, traffic management, preservation of the accident site, and other legal procedures, the police said.

The police said elaborate traffic arrangements had been put in place for the Wari procession, with the road divided by a central divider. While the right carriageway was reserved for vehicles accompanying the procession, the left carriageway was designated for pilgrims walking. However, some Warkaris were intermittently using the vehicle lane where the accident occurred, the police said.

The police said an investigation is underway into all aspects of the accident, including the driver’s medical condition, his conduct, and other factors that may have contributed to the crash. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings, officers said.