Thar Accident in Tamhini Ghat Pune: Six Youths Feared Dead After SUV Falls 500 Feet
A tragic Thar Accident in Tamhini Ghat Pune has claimed the lives of six young residents from Pune after their SUV plunged nearly 500 feet into a valley while travelling towards Konkan. The incident occurred late on Monday, 17 November, but came to light only after families filed missing complaints.
Victims identified
The SUV was carrying six youths, identified as:
• Shahaji Chavan (22, Kondhave Dhawade)
• Punit Sudharak Shetty (20, Kopre village)
• Sahil Sadhu Bote (24, Kopre village)
• Shri Mahadev Koli (18, Bhairavnath Nagar)
• Omkar Sunil Koli (18, Bhairavnath Nagar)
• Shiva Arun Mane (19, Bhairavnath Nagar)
Police traced their last known location using mobile data and CCTV footage. A drone search on Thursday, 20 November, led to the discovery of the SUV along with four bodies deep in the ravine. Recovery efforts for the remaining victims are still underway.
How the accident unfolded
Initial reports suggest the driver may have lost control at a sharp curve near Kondethar village while descending the ghat. Despite metal safety railings in some stretches, the area is known for dangerous bends and poor visibility at night.
Authorities believe the accident occurred around midnight, but the vehicle remained unnoticed for nearly two days due to the dense terrain and isolated location.
Rescue operation still in progress
A multi-agency rescue operation is underway involving:
• Mangaon Police
• Raigad District Disaster Management teams
• Mulshi Taluka Disaster Management Committee
• Local villagers and social groups
The steep terrain, thick vegetation, and valley depth are making recovery efforts difficult. Teams are using ropes, drones, cranes and specialised equipment to bring the bodies up.
Call for better safety measures
Activists including Pramod Balkavade, Shelar Mama, and Ankush Dhamale have demanded stronger crash barriers, better lighting, and stricter speed controls to prevent more accidents in the region. Tamhini Ghat has seen multiple fatalities in recent years due to its dangerous road structure.
Officials have not yet given final confirmation on all recovered bodies, and the search continues.
The tragic accident has once again raised serious questions about road safety in mountain corridors connecting Pune to Konkan.
