A family in western India’s Maharashtra, who were on their way to cremate a deceased relative, were left stunned with what unfolded in front of their eyes — something that could rival the best of fiction. Pandurang Ulpe, who was declared dead by doctors and was being taken for his last rites, suddenly came back to life — with the help of a speed bump — scripting an unbelievable escape from death.
The incident took place on December 16. According to The Times of India, Ulpe, on the aforementioned date, felt uneasy, and was rushed to a private hospital in Kasba Bawda, Kolhapur, by his family.
Detailing the incident, Ulpe’s grandson Omkar Ramane told TOI that doctors at the private hospital said the patient has suffered a heart attack and referred him to another hospital.
An ECG was done at the other private hospital after the elderly man vomited blood a few times. Later, a doctor declared him dead. After the billing was done, the family informed other relatives about the death and began preparations for the funeral.
“We were on our way with his body when the ambulance struck a speed breaker, near Chougule Galli in Kasba Bawda,” Ramane told the news outlet.
“We saw his fingers move. One of our relatives touched his wrist and felt a pulse,” he added.
Ulpe was immediately rushed to CPR Hospital. Since the hospital couldn’t provide any bed, he was then taken to DY Patil Hospital.
As per the report, Ulpe was put on a ventilator after doctors performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation to restore blood flow. “An ECG also found a block, so he was rushed to another hospital for angioplasty. He recovered fully after a two-day stay,” TOI quoted a doctor as saying.
After making a full recovery, Ulpe returned home on December 30. Visuals have emerged of him being greeted by relatives at home after his great escape.
#Maharashtra | Pandurang Ulpe, believed to be dead after a heart attack, showed signs of life when his fingers moved as the ambulance hit a speed bump.
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) January 3, 2025
"We were stunned. We immediately turned the vehicle around and took him back to hospital where doctors stabilised him. Yes, my… pic.twitter.com/C9ius8w2JD
Meanwhile, officials from Kolhapur Municipal Corporation, regretting the episode of the doctor declaring a patient dead without proper examination, said the incident will be investigated.
