Thousands flocked to Shivneri Fort for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary, but the joyous event took a grim twist Thursday when a railing buckled under crowd pressure in Pune, Maharashtra. Several devotees, predominantly women and children, suffered injuries in the ensuing scramble, highlighting vulnerabilities at the iconic site.
Pilgrimage to the fort started overnight Wednesday, with ‘Shiv Jyot’ bearers and organizational contingents swelling numbers rapidly. Essential routes like the Elephant Gate vicinity and narrow Ganesh Gate were rendered impassable, setting the stage for the collapse.
The railing gave out abruptly, triggering widespread alarm. Frantic attempts to evacuate saw individuals scaling barriers and tumbling in the disorder. On-duty officers managed to contain the panic, ferrying the injured to medical facilities promptly.
Confirming details, Pune SP Sandeep Gill noted, ‘Three-four minor casualties, no serious cases. Situation fully managed.’ His call for rumor avoidance and public cooperation underscores the role of collective responsibility in such scenarios.
This near-miss at Shivneri prompts introspection on heritage site safety amid rising visitor footfalls. While festivities persist, bolstered security and structural audits are imperative to safeguard lives during cultural commemorations that draw lakhs annually.