Four dead after Thar plunges into 500-ft gorge in Tamhini Ghat; SUV bought just 20 days ago
Tamhini Ghat
A newly purchased Thar SUV fell 500 feet into a Tamhini Ghat gorge, leaving four dead and two missing. Search teams continue rescue efforts in the Raigad–Pune region.
Tamhini Ghat, Raigad| Nov 20, 2025 – 500 to 600 words, no subheadings):
A tragic accident in the Tamhini Ghat region has left the district in shock after a Thar SUV, bought barely 20 days ago, plunged nearly 500 feet into a deep gorge. The vehicle was travelling from Pune toward the Konkan region late at night when it reportedly missed a sharp turn and went off the edge. Rescue teams have recovered four bodies so far, while two passengers remain missing.
Family members first raised the alarm when they were unable to reach the six men who had left Pune the previous evening. Their phones were unreachable, and their last known location—identified through tracking—indicated the Tamhini Ghat stretch. Local police, forest rescue teams and disaster-response personnel launched a search operation at dawn. After scanning the valley using drones, they located the wrecked SUV deep inside the ravine.
The impact had scattered debris across thick forest cover, making the rescue operation extremely challenging. Teams had to rappel down using ropes and navigate unstable slopes to reach the remains of the vehicle. The four bodies recovered were severely injured, indicating the SUV had rolled multiple times before stopping. Officials said the missing two may have either fallen further into the valley or become trapped under the wreckage, prompting the continuation of the search operation.
Residents familiar with the road say the accident spot is notorious for its blind curve and lack of adequate safety barriers. Tamhini Ghat is scenic but risky, especially after dark. Drivers often underestimate the steep turns and narrow lanes, and accidents on this route have been a recurring concern. The absence of street lighting in some stretches further increases the danger. Police are examining whether speed, low visibility or road conditions contributed to the loss of control.
The revelation that the SUV was newly purchased has added to the emotional weight of the incident. Relatives said the group had planned a casual late-night drive toward Konkan, eager to enjoy the new vehicle. What was meant to be a celebratory outing turned into a disaster that has devastated families on both sides of the Pune–Raigad region.
Authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution while using ghat roads, especially during late hours. They also reiterated that mountain routes demand slower speeds and familiarity with the terrain. Calls for stronger guardrails, better signage and more patrolling in accident-prone areas have intensified, with locals pointing out that several serious accidents over the years have followed the same pattern.
The bodies recovered have been sent for post-mortem, and identification procedures are underway. Police will file a detailed report once the remaining two individuals are found and the sequence of events is fully established. For now, the focus remains on locating the missing passengers and supporting the families who are awaiting closure.
The accident has renewed attention on road safety along Maharashtra’s ghat sections, reminding travellers of the unpredictable nature of hillside driving. As rescue operations continue, the region is mourning a tragedy that unfolded within moments on a route known for both beauty and danger.
