Raigad Accident: Surat Pilgrim Bus Rams Into 7 Vehicles Near Shilphata In Khopoli, 12 Injured; Driver Flees

Khopoli, November 12, 2026 - A private bus carrying pilgrims from Surat suffered a severe accident near Shilphata in Khopoli on Thursday afternoon, resulting in twelve people being injured, one critically. The bus, operated by Mauli Transport, allegedly experienced brake failure while navigating a challenging downhill stretch. The impact of the collision with seven vehicles traveling in the opposite direction was so severe that several vehicles were pushed off the road and collided with roadside shops. The bus eventually came to a halt after striking a private bus near the Shilphata bus stand.

Brake failure is suspected as the cause of the accident, which occurred around 2 pm during the group's return journey from Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Despite the bus driver abandoning the vehicle in a panic, traffic conditions were light at the time, preventing a more tragic outcome. Despite not having major injuries themselves, passengers from the hit vehicles required medical attention.

Injured individuals were transported to local hospitals, including Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Municipal Hospital and MGM Hospital in Kalamboli. The HELP Foundation is providing assistance to the injured, who are residents of various locations in and around Khopoli. Police are actively searching for the driver, who fled the scene fearing confrontation with bystanders.