A tragic accident was seen at Bhushi Dam, a local beauty spot in Lonavala, where two youths were killed due to drowning on Sunday. The victims braved heavy rains and restricted entry to enter a dangerous backwater stretch, as a result of which they lost their lives. Rescue personnel recovered their bodies after a four-hour search operation during inclement weather, leaving the residents of the area and officials stunned.
Mrudula Narale
Pune | June 9, 2025: The two victims, who died in the tragic incident, were identified as Jamal of Mirzapur, a resident of Wakad, and Sahil Asrath Ali Shaikh of Uttar Pradesh, who stayed in Thergaon. Both were electricians working in a private firm. They were among ten friends who were from Pimpri Chinchwad and had come to Lonavala for a monsoon trek, reaching there in a local train. The team, who were originally from Uttar Pradesh, had all come to admire the beauty of the dam, oblivious to threats hidden in the off-limits area.
The accident happened under the Lonavala City Police Station jurisdiction, which is handled by Pune Rural Police. The spot where the drowning occurred is also a known risk area in monsoon, with turbulent water currents and deep areas. Even with fencing and barricades to keep away visitors, the victims ventured into the off-limits backwater area, where they were swept away as they could not swim against the strong current. The accident highlights the dangers of disregarding safety precautions at tourist sites during rainy times.
Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, with the assistance of the Lonavala police, Shivdurga Rescue Team, and volunteers from the area. Visiting intense rain, the team identified the bodies in about 30 feet of water, 20 kilometers away from the starting point, demonstrating the magnitude of the task at hand. The success of the operation to retrieve the bodies was a reflection of the commitment of the rescue teams, though it was not enough to reverse the tragedy.
As a reaction, officials have filed a case of accidental death and are probing the conditions, including whether the victims crossed safety barriers to enter the banned area. The accident has brought forth fresh instructions from Pune Rural Police, advising tourists to comply with safety measures. Danger areas near the Bhushi Dam are demarcated, and police presence has been augmented to avoid similar incidents. Locals are also helping to spread awareness to discourage tourists from entering risky zones.
Bhushi Dam, a monsoon delight with cascading water and greenery around it, has seen such tragedies in the past, and so stricter regulations have been imposed. This accident is a stark reminder of being careful, particularly during rain when water and currents turn unpredictable. Authorities are now stepping up measures to impose restrictions and make tourists aware of the danger in order to avoid more loss of life at this popular but dangerous spot.
As probes go on, the attention is kept on increasing safety precautions and compliance to safeguard visitors. The two young lives lost have put a gloom over Lonavala’s very active tourist culture, compelling authorities as well as tourists to favor safety over adventure in face of the unpredictability of nature.
Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/newsdotz/
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@NewsDotz
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573903448264
Twitter – https://x.com/NewsDotz
