A visit to the popular Bhushi Dam in Lonavala turned tragic for a group of friends on Sunday, June 30. Five young people have drowned at a waterfall near the dam.
The incident occurred around noon when the group, consisting of seven friends, decided to take a dip in the water. According to witnesses, the water flow was strong due to recent heavy rains. Despite warning signs and the dangerous conditions, the group entered the water.
Suddenly, five of the friends were swept away by the strong currents. Locals and other visitors quickly alerted the authorities. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police, were dispatched to the scene. They began searching for the missing individuals.
The bodies of a 36-year-old woman and two girls, aged 13 and 8, were found in the backwater of Bhushi Dam in Lonavala on Sunday. They were part of a family of five who were swept away by the strong water currents. A search is still ongoing for a nine-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl.
The search operation is challenging due to the rough terrain and high water levels. The rescue teams are using boats and other equipment to navigate the area. Divers have also been brought in to help with the search.
Bhushi Dam and its surrounding areas are popular tourist spots, especially during the monsoon season. However, this incident alerts us about the risks of visiting such places during heavy rains. Authorities have repeatedly warned visitors about the dangers of entering the water when the flow is strong, but many people ignore these warnings.