Eight students from Alandi in Pune district died after drowning in the sea at Diveagar beach in Maharashtra’s Raigad district during a picnic on Thursday. The students were part of a group from Winners Academy in Alandi.

The group had travelled to Diveagar for an outing and included 42 students and six teachers. According to preliminary information, some students entered the sea to swim but were caught in deeper water after misjudging the sea conditions and tide.

Eight Students Drown at Diveagar Beach

The tragedy took place when the students entered the sea at the Diveagar beach area. Local residents and water-sports personnel immediately joined the rescue operation after the students were seen in difficulty.

Seven students were initially recovered during the search. The eighth student, who was missing for some time, was also later found. All eight were taken to a nearby health facility, where they were declared dead.

The deceased students were from Classes 11 and 12 and were reportedly around 16 years old. The incident has left their families and the Alandi community in deep shock.

Diveagar Beach Accident Leaves Alandi in Mourning

Following the incident, the bodies were taken for post-mortem examination. The process continued into the early hours before the bodies were transported to Alandi.

According to the TV9 Marathi report, family members gathered as the bodies were brought back. The emotional scenes added to the grief surrounding the tragedy, with relatives waiting to receive the remains of the students.

The other students who were part of the trip were brought back safely to Alandi. The incident has prompted widespread mourning across the area.

Alandi Observes Shutdown to Honour the Students

Alandi observed a voluntary shutdown on Friday following the deaths. Local traders, businesses, institutions and residents participated in the shutdown as a mark of respect for the students who lost their lives.

The incident has also raised questions about safety arrangements during educational outings, particularly when students visit beaches where tides and changing sea conditions can pose serious risks.

Authorities Begin Looking Into the Incident

Police and local authorities have been involved in the rescue and subsequent procedures. Preliminary information indicates that the students misjudged the depth and conditions of the sea before entering the water.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident, including the safety arrangements for the educational trip, are expected to be examined by the authorities.

The Diveagar beach tragedy has left eight families grieving and sent shockwaves through Alandi and Pune. What was planned as an outing for students ended in a devastating loss for the families and the wider community.