PUNE, India, July 1: In a tragic incident at Lonavala near Pune, a family outing turned fatal as members of an extended family were swept away by a waterfall behind the Bhushi Dam during a picnic on Sunday. The group, comprising Ansaris, Khans, and Sayyads from Sayyad Nagar in Hadapsar, Pune, had traveled to Lonavala in a hired bus for the outing, which ended in disaster when the accident occurred on Sunday afternoon.

According to reports from the Pune Rural police, a total of 19 family members were present at the popular tourist spot when tragedy struck. Four members, including three children, lost their lives in the incident, while a newlywed couple from the group was rescued and is currently hospitalized, their condition reported as stable.

Farooq Inamdar, a former corporator familiar with the family, mentioned that the couple had recently married on June 22 and had joined the picnic trip. He identified Shahista Ansari, who tragically perished in the accident, as a domestic worker. The deceased children's parents were involved in a small bakery business.

The rescue operation, involving Pune Rural police, INS Shivaji personnel, and members of the Shivdurg Mitra Mandal, recovered the bodies of three victims on Sunday: Ameena Salman alias Adil Ansari (13), Umera Salman alias Adil Ansari (8), and Shahista Ansari (37). The search efforts continued, and on Monday morning, the body of Mariya Akil Sayyad (9) was also recovered. Authorities are still searching for Adnan Sabhahat Ansari (4), who remains missing after being swept away.

The incident has deeply saddened the community, with a video circulating on social media showing the tragic moment when the family members were swept away by the strong current following heavy rainfall in the area. As investigations continue and rescue operations persist, the local community mourns the loss of lives and offers support to the grieving family members affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.