Sortewadi accident: From picnic mood to panicked minds

The schoolchildren of Sortewadi Secondary school were excited about their annual school picnic on Friday. They had already made plans among themselves planning a full enjoyment. Little did they know that a mishap is awaiting them, as 18 of them were hit by a speeding car.

Following the accident on Thursday, the school has been shutdown for two days. Out of 18 schoolchildren, 11 are still undergoing treatment at Rahtu Bhoite Giraj hospital. Three have suffered fracture, while one girl is still unconscious.

The horror has been etched in the tender minds. Akshay Magar (16) student of standard X said, “I was so excited about the annual school picnic as it was my last year in school. Now, I will not be able to go to Kolhapur with my friends for the tour.”

Gayatri Kolte (12), student of STD VI said, “I was on my cycle when the car hit me from behind, I fell on the road and my left leg got stuck in the cycle. I was unable to walk. A passerby helped me and took me to the nearby hospital.”

Shardhha Deshmukh (14), a student of standard VII is still unconscious. Her aunt Adika Kolte who was with her in the hospital said, “She suffered serious injuries in her head and hasn’t spoken a single word yet. Doctors have carried out the tests. We are hoping that she recovers soon.”

Meanwhile, Sushabai Patole (70), who was knocked down by a speeding vehicle is admitted in the Intensive care unit (ICU).