Nine Killed as Car Plunges into Well in Nashik, Maharashtra
Nine members of a single family, including six children, died after their car plunged into a water-filled well in Nashik district, Maharashtra. The tragic accident occurred late Friday night as the family returned from a social gathering, casting a pall of gloom over the Dindori taluka.
Key Highlights
- Nine family members tragically died in the Nashik accident.
- Six children were among the deceased victims.
- Their car veered off the road and fell into a well.
- The incident occurred late Friday night in Dindori taluka.
- Rescue efforts were challenging due to the water-filled well.
- Police have registered a case and are investigating the cause.
A devastating accident in Maharashtra's Nashik district has claimed the lives of nine members of a single family, including six children, after their car plunged into a water-filled well. The tragic incident occurred late on Friday night, April 3, 2026, in the Shivaji Nagar area of Dindori taluka, approximately 25 to 40 km from Nashik city. The family was returning home to Indore village after attending a social event or a private tuition class reunion at a banquet hall when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.
The victims, all belonging to the Dargude family, were traveling in a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga or XL6 when the car veered off the road and fell directly into an open well, which was reportedly filled with water, leaving the occupants with no means of escape. The accident is believed to have happened around 10 pm to 11:30 pm on Friday.
Upon receiving information about the crash, local residents, police personnel, fire brigade, and disaster management teams rushed to the scene. The rescue operation was significantly hampered by the darkness and the well being completely filled with water. It took several hours, with the assistance of two hydra cranes and local swimmers, to retrieve the submerged vehicle and its occupants. All nine bodies were recovered by midnight or in the early hours of Saturday.
The deceased have been identified as Sunil Dattatray Dargode (32/34), his wife Reshma Sunil Dargode (27/30), Asha Anil Dargode (32), and six children: Rakhi alias Gunvanti Sunil Dargode (10/11), Madhuri Anil Dargode (13), Shravani Anil Dargode (11), Shreyash Anil Dargode (11), Srishti Anil Dargode (14), and Samruddhi Rajendra Dargode (7). Some reports also mention a seventh child, Khushi Anil Dargode (14), but the total casualty count remains consistently nine.
The bodies were transported to the government hospital in Dindori for post-mortem examinations. The Dindori Police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, with preliminary reports suggesting the driver lost control of the vehicle. Officials are reportedly looking for eyewitnesses and checking CCTV footage to gain clarity on the incident.
This incident has cast a pall of gloom over the entire Dindori taluka, with many calling it the worst tragedy to hit the village in years. Concerns about road safety and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and during nighttime, have been raised once again following this devastating loss of life from a single family.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were also deployed to assist in the rescue operations, which were initially hampered by a large crowd of onlookers gathered at the site. The incident highlights the dangers of unmarked or inadequately protected open wells near roadsides. This is reportedly the second such accident in Dindori where a vehicle has fallen into a water body, causing multiple fatalities, with a similar incident occurring in July last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the accident occur?
The tragic accident took place late on Friday night, April 3, 2026, in the Shivaji Nagar area of Dindori taluka in Maharashtra's Nashik district, India.
How many people were killed in the accident?
Nine members of a single family, including six children, died after their car plunged into a water-filled well.
What caused the car to fall into the well?
Preliminary reports suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle while returning from a social gathering, causing it to veer off the road and fall into the well.
What were the challenges faced during the rescue operation?
Rescue efforts were severely hampered by the darkness and the well being completely filled with water, making it difficult to retrieve the submerged vehicle and its occupants.
Are authorities investigating the incident?
Yes, the Dindori Police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.