Yavatmal: Three persons from Yavatmal were killed and three others seriously injured after the mini truck they were travelling in plunged nearly 100 feet into a gorge in Mahur Ghat early Friday. They were returning to Yavatmal after offering prayers at Renuka Mata Temple at Mahur in neighbouring Nanded district.The absence of crash barriers at a dangerous bend is suspected to have contributed to the accident.The six occupants, who worked at a furniture shop in Yavatmal, had begun their return journey in the early hours. As per preliminary information, the accident occurred around 5 am at the first bend behind the Public Works Department office in Mahur Ghat. The driver was blinded due to glare from the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, causing him to lose control, said sources.Rahul Thakare and Pritam Pradhan died on the spot while Babarao Tekam succumbed to his injuries during treatment at the rural hospital. They were reportedly travelling in the rear portion of the mini-truck.The driver, Pratik Adkine, along with passengers Datta Meshram and Yashwant Patil, who were seated in the cabin, survived the fall but sustained injuries.Police personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information on emergency helpline 112. They, along with local residents, rescued the injured and shifted them to the rural hospital.The accident has once again raised concerns over road safety in Mahur Ghat, particularly during the Navratri festival, when large numbers of devotees from across the country visit Mahurgad to seek blessings of Renuka Mata.Motorists and locals have flagged the absence of crash barriers at dangerous bends in the ghat section. They demanded road-safety measures be implemented on priority to prevent such tragedies.
