30 bodies found, probe on cause soon
Raigad:battling difficult terrain, unfavourable weather and poor light for more than 24 hours, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) concluded the rescue operation in Poladpur on Sunday afternoon. All 30 bodies have been recovered with the help of local trekker groups, doctors and residents. On Saturday, a mini-bus, carrying employees of Dapoli-based Dr Balasaheb Sawant Krishi Vidyapeeth, fell into an 800-foot gorge off Ambenali ghat in Raigad district.
Besides the NDRF, the state reserve police force (SRPF), local police, fire department and paramedical staff were working for over 24 hours at the spot.
“The operation was over by noon on Sunday,” said Vijay Suryavanshi, Raigad district collector. “A basic post-mortem was performed and the bodies were handed over to the relatives,” said Suresh Khopkar, tehsildar.
Currently, a fatal accident report has been registered at the Poladpur police station. However, an official enquiry will be launched to map the cause of the incident to ascertain if anyone was at fault at least one-and-half hour. The incident once has highlighted the dire need for helicopter transport during emergencies to ensure timely response from the platoons. DB Shekatkar, a retired lieutenant general, said that the demand for helicopters in emergency situations was being made for several years, but no progress had taken place on ground.
On Sunday, Ravindra Chavan, district guardian minister, announced road widening work on the stretch. “The approval for road widening on Ambenali ghat has been given. I expect it to start soon,” said Chavan.