Vadodara: Two pilgrims were killed and four others were injured after a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall sent large rocks and debris crashing onto a road near Maachi village on the Pavagadh hill route early Friday morning.According to officials, the victims were travelling to the revered Mahakali temple atop Pavagadh hill when a portion of the hillside gave way. Several pilgrims were trapped under the falling rocks and debris. Passers-by rushed to the scene and began rescue efforts before teams from the local administration and emergency services arrived to carry out relief and evacuation operations.All four injured persons were shifted to a hospital in Halol for treatment. Officials said two of them were discharged after receiving medical care, while the remaining two continue to undergo treatment.The deceased were identified as Praveen Parmar, 52, and Gunvantsinh Parmar, 40, both residents of Kheda district.Authorities said continuous rainfall in the region weakened sections of the hillside, leading to the landslide. As a precautionary measure, vehicular movement on the affected stretch has been suspended until further notice.“We have stopped movement on the route and are inspecting the stretch to identify other vulnerable spots. The yatra will resume only after all necessary safety checks are completed,” said J D Patel, sub-divisional magistrate, Halol.Pavagadh, home to the revered Mahakali temple, is among Gujarat’s most visited pilgrimage destinations and attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year. The latest tragedy has once again raised concerns about safety on the hill route during the monsoon season.The incident also brings back memories of another fatal accident on Pavagadh hill. In Sept 2025, six people lost their lives when a trolley attached to a material ropeway, installed for redevelopment work on the hill, crashed during operation.
