Three Women Killed, Eight Injured After Truck Rams Into Warkari Palkhi Procession Near Jejuri; Driver Says He Had Taken Cold Medication

Jejuri | July 14, 2026

Three women devotees lost their lives and eight other Warkaris sustained injuries after a speeding truck ploughed into the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession near Bhongale Mala, close to Jejuri in Pune district. The tragic accident has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, prompting immediate rescue efforts, financial assistance for victims’ families, and a police investigation into the cause of the crash.

According to officials, the accident occurred when the truck entered the route being used by the Warkari procession near Bhongale Mala. The impact left several devotees critically injured, while three women succumbed to their injuries. Emergency teams, police personnel, and local residents rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Preliminary findings suggest that the truck driver had consumed medication for fever and a cold before the incident. Investigators are examining whether the medicines affected his alertness or ability to control the vehicle. Authorities have also initiated a detailed probe into possible negligence and other contributing factors behind the crash.

The deceased devotees were reported to be from Sangli district and were participating in the annual pilgrimage with deep religious devotion. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the otherwise spiritual atmosphere of the Palkhi procession, which draws thousands of Warkaris from across Maharashtra every year.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and assured that the injured would receive all necessary medical assistance. The administration has also directed officials to ensure speedy treatment and provide every possible support to the affected families.

In a gesture of solidarity, the Alandi Devasthan Trust announced financial assistance of ₹1 lakh to the families of each deceased devotee. Religious leaders and members of the Warkari community expressed grief over the incident and appealed for stricter traffic management and enhanced safety measures along pilgrimage routes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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