Tragic Lonavala Waterfall Incident: 5 Family Members Drown at Bhushi Dam

In a heart-wrenching tragedy, five members of a family, including two minors, drowned near the Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, Pune. The unfortunate victims were identified as Shahista Ansari (36), Amima Ansari (13), and Umera Ansari (8). Meanwhile, Adnan Ansari (4) and Maria Sayyad (9) are still missing. The family resides in Sayyad Nagar, Pune.

The incident took place around 12:30 p.m. on June 30. 

Superintendent of Pune Rural Police, Pankaj Deshmukh, informed ANI: “A woman and four children went to a waterfall near Bhushi Dam in Lonavala. Three bodies have been recovered at the end of search and rescue operations today; all five people are from one family.”

Superintendent Deshmukh confirmed the recovery of the bodies of Shahista Ansari (36), Amima Ansari (13), and Umera Ansari (8), but the search for Adnan Ansari (4) and Maria Sayyad (9) continues. “The family was enjoying a day out when tragedy struck, with some members getting too close to the waterfall and being swept away by the strong currents,” ANI quoted Deshmukh as saying.

Emergency services, including divers and rescue teams, have been deployed by the Lonavala Police to continue the search for the missing children. The rescue operation, which began immediately after the incident, is ongoing.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with natural attractions like waterfalls. Authorities are urging visitors to exercise extreme caution to prevent such heartbreaking occurrences in the future.

The Lonavala Police, in collaboration with local authorities, has intensified efforts to ensure the safety of visitors in the area. Superintendent Deshmukh emphasized the importance of vigilance when visiting natural sites, particularly during the monsoon season when water currents can be particularly strong.

The local community in Sayyad Nagar, Pune, is reeling from the shock of this devastating news. The loss of these lives has cast a pall of sorrow over the neighborhood, with neighbors and friends offering their support to the grieving family members.

As the search continues, authorities remain hopeful that the missing children, Adnan and Maria, will be found. The Lonavala Police have assured the public that all possible resources are being utilized in the ongoing rescue efforts.

This incident underscores the need for increased safety measures and public awareness about the hazards of natural water bodies. Visitors are encouraged to follow safety guidelines and heed warnings from local authorities to prevent such tragedies.

The tragic incident at Bhushi Dam serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by natural attractions. As rescue operations continue, our thoughts are with the affected family and the dedicated teams working tirelessly to find the missing children. Visitors to such areas must remain vigilant and prioritize safety to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Stay tuned to our news feed for more updates on Birdseyenews.com.