Kolhapur, December 16, 2024
In an incident that has left both the medical community and the public stunned, a 65-year-old man from Maharashtra, declared clinically dead after a heart attack, came back to life mid-journey in an ambulance—just moments before his last rites were to be performed. The surreal turn of events unfolded when the ambulance carrying his body hit a speed bump, prompting his wife to notice faint finger movements that would ultimately save his life.
Pandurang Ulpe had collapsed at his Kolhapur residence after experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital, where doctors reportedly pronounced him dead on arrival. His devastated family was preparing for funeral rituals, unaware that their grief would soon turn into disbelief.
While returning home with his body, the ambulance drove over a speed bump. Ulpe’s wife, sitting beside him in anguish, noticed his fingers twitch slightly. With a mix of panic and hope, she alerted the ambulance staff. The vehicle was diverted to another hospital, where doctors quickly confirmed that Ulpe was, in fact, alive. Emergency medical care was administered immediately, including an angioplasty and intensive cardiac treatment.
Within two weeks, Ulpe made a full recovery and returned home walking—a living miracle. Family members, neighbors, and doctors alike expressed awe at his survival. “I felt dizzy and breathless, then everything went blank,” Ulpe said after regaining full consciousness. He has no memory of what happened during the episode.
This extraordinary incident has raised serious questions about the protocols followed in declaring death, particularly in emergency settings. Experts are now calling for a review of standard operating procedures in hospitals to avoid premature death declarations, which can have both legal and emotional consequences.
The hospital that initially certified Ulpe’s death has yet to release a formal statement or comment on the procedural lapse. Meanwhile, the story has sparked debate about how fragile and unpredictable the line between life and death can be.
Pandurang Ulpe’s case stands as both a medical mystery and a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, even in situations that appear irreversible. It underscores the need for stringent confirmation protocols and perhaps, a touch of humility in the face of life’s unpredictability.
