Pune Woman Dies of Cardiac Arrest During Visit to Ajanta Caves
A 43-year-old Pune woman collapsed at Ajanta Caves and died of sudden cardiac arrest, highlighting urgent need for on-site medical facilities.
Pune | November 24, 2025: A tragic incident unfolded at the Ajanta Caves when a 43-year-old woman from Pune suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed while climbing the steps to Cave No. 1. The woman, identified as Yogita Mahesh Sawant, was touring the historic site with her family when she suddenly lost her strength. Despite emergency care and resuscitation efforts, she could not be saved.
Immediately after she collapsed, Sawant was rushed by family members and local staff to the nearby primary rural hospital and trauma care centre in Ajanta. Medical officers attempted CPR and other emergency procedures upon her arrival. However, her condition was too critical. She was then advised to be moved to a more advanced facility — the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Sadly, she passed away while being transported.
Dr. Giridhar Bondale, the attending physician at the trauma centre, revealed that Sawant did not have any known history of cardiac disease such as hypertension or diabetes. Her relatives also confirmed she was not under treatment for any serious chronic condition. According to Dr. Bondale, the sudden exertion from climbing uphill steps — combined with being slightly overweight — may have triggered the cardiac arrest.
What makes this tragedy even more concerning is the lack of immediate, robust medical infrastructure near the Ajanta Caves. The trauma centre is reportedly located about 10 kilometres away, which significantly hampers emergency response times. Dr. Bondale has strongly urged authorities to consider establishing a fully equipped government health facility in close proximity to the caves, to better manage potential emergencies.
Tourism experts and local guides have echoed this demand. The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO heritage site, receive thousands of visitors daily, many of whom are older tourists or travel in groups that may not be physically accustomed to steep climbs. For them, having ready medical assistance and a dedicated first-aid post or ambulance service could mean the difference between life and death.
The incident serves as a grim reminder that even cultural and historical tourism sites need to be supported by adequate emergency medical infrastructure. It underscores the importance of proactive safety measures — especially when the terrain is strenuous and the nearest hospital is located some distance away.
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