**Palghar: Heavy Rainfall Leads to Luxury Bus Stranding, Passengers Rescued Safely**
Heavy overnight rainfall on Saturday caused significant waterlogging on the road in Saphale, resulting in a luxury bus getting stranded and triggering panic among its passengers.
The incident occurred when volunteers from Sarpmitra were visiting the area to assess the water situation. They spotted the bus stuck in floodwaters and immediately informed Rajesh (Bunty) Mhatre, Deputy Sarpanch of Umbar Pada-Saphale Gram Panchayat. Recognizing the urgency, Mhatre rushed to the site with his JCB to assist with the rescue operation.
The luxury bus had traveled from Manpada in Kalyan-Dombivli to Palghar for a visit to the Navadevi temple. Unfortunately, the floodwater was deeper than anticipated, causing the bus to stall. Its starter failed, and even after summoning a local mechanic, the vehicle could not be restarted.
Meanwhile, heavy rains and lightning — as warned by the Meteorological Department — continued throughout the night, complicating the situation further.
With the help of the JCB, the bus was safely moved to a nearby petrol pump. The women passengers onboard were then accommodated at the village hall in Saphale to ensure their safety. Local residents provided tea and biscuits to the stranded passengers, offering comfort during the ordeal.
After waiting overnight due to the persistent heavy rains, a replacement bus arrived from Mumbai at 6 a.m. on Sunday to transport the women back home safely.
Eyewitnesses praised the prompt and brave efforts of Mhatre, the Sarpmitra volunteers, and local villagers. Their coordinated response was credited with averting any harm to the passengers during this challenging situation.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/palghar-news-luxury-bus-stranded-in-flooded-road-women-passengers-rescued