At least two pilgrims lost their lives and eight others were injured after a rockfall struck a stairway leading to the hilltop temple at Pavagadh in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district on Friday morning.
According to officials, the incident occurred between 6 am and 6:30 am near Patiya Bridge on Pavagadh Hill, where devotees were ascending towards the shrine. Continuous rainfall in the region is believed to have loosened rocks on the hillside, causing them to tumble onto the pathway used by pilgrims.
The sudden rockfall triggered panic among visitors, with several people reportedly trapped under the debris in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Rescue teams, including personnel from the ropeway service, local authorities and police, rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. Emergency responders worked amid persistent rainfall to evacuate those affected and clear the debris.
A source involved in the rescue efforts said that two people died in the incident, while the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities later confirmed that a total of 10 people were affected by the rockfall.
Of them, two pilgrims succumbed to their injuries, while eight others were taken to Halol Referral Hospital for medical treatment. Sources said the deceased were residents of Kheda district, although their identities had not been officially released.
Police from Pavagadh Police Station assisted in the rescue and relief operations and have initiated an inquiry into the incident.
The rescue operation was subsequently completed, with officials confirming that no one remained trapped at the site.
Authorities have advised pilgrims and tourists to exercise caution while visiting hilly and landslide-prone areas during the monsoon season, as heavy rainfall continues to increase the risk of such incidents.
Further details are awaited.