Mumbai woman trekker dies after falling off fort near Pune

THANE/PUNE: Siddhi Kamte, a 20-year-old trekker from Saat Rasta, died after falling off a cliff during a trekking expedition at Hadsar Fort in Pune district on Wednesday.
Siddhi, a commerce student of a Mumbai-based college and a native of Pune, was an avid trekker. Her family said she left home to accompany a group of around 35 trekkers on Tuesday.
She was part of the group at Hadsar Fort, which is located around 13km from Shivneri Fort, when she reportedly lost her balance and fell off a height of 350 feet, said a member of the rescue team.“The incident took place around 10am on Wednesday when the group members were climbing the fort to conduct a cleanliness drive on reaching the top to mark the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. While trekking, Siddhi lost her balance and fell from a height of more than 350 feet,” said an officer from Junnar police station.
The college student was taken to a nearby hospital with the help of local residents, rescuers and police personnel, where she was declared brought dead, said an officer.
Siddhi, who is survived by her mother, a widow, and younger sister, had taken to trekking a few years back.
Her family said she was shy by nature but would light up whenever she was allowed to go for treks.
She lost her father at a young age and aspired to be a chartered accountant to support her family.
“Siddhi had recently celebrated her birthday and we were shocked to hear of the mishap. I rushed to the hospital after I was alerted of the fall and never expected that the young life could be snuffed out this soon,” said her uncle Sudhir from her native place in Fursungi, Pune.
Meanwhile, trekkers have called in for more safety measures for those undertaking expeditions. It may be noted that the Thane district administration is considering a drone survey to track all treacherous routes for trekkers. The survey, said officials, will be used to understand the danger spots and suggest safer alternatives to ensure lives are not lost to similar mishaps.