Two women lost their lives, and nearly 20 passengers sustained injuries when a private bus carrying pilgrims overturned in Junagadh district, Gujarat. The incident occurred after the bus collided with a nilgai on a highway near Rahij village in Mangrol taluka on Saturday afternoon.
The bus, transporting about 50 passengers from Bhavnagar of the Gadhvi community, was en route to Dwarka and Somnath for a religious journey when the accident happened around 3 p.m., as confirmed by the police. Deputy Superintendent of Police D.V. Kodiyatar mentioned that two women died, and approximately 20 injured individuals were taken to Junagadh Civil Hospital for treatment.
Reportedly, the driver lost control of the bus when a nilgai suddenly appeared on the highway, leading to the bus overturning. This resulted in the immediate death of two women at the scene, with several others sustaining injuries of varying degrees. Emergency services, including 108 ambulances, were promptly deployed to transfer the injured to hospitals in Keshod and Junagadh.
Local residents also joined in the rescue efforts following the accident, while an excavator was utilized to clear the overturned bus and reopen the highway for traffic. The driver, who was injured as well, cooperated with the authorities at the scene and is aiding in the investigation process. Legal procedures, including post-mortem examinations of the deceased, are ongoing after a case was registered.
The highway experienced a brief disruption due to the accident, causing traffic congestion until normal movement was restored post-clearance operations.
