Pune: A tragic accident in Baner claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman after a speeding dumper hit the two-wheeler she was riding on as a pillion passenger. The rider of the two-wheeler, a 36-year-old woman, sustained injuries in the incident. The dumper driver fled the scene, and a case has been registered against him at the Baner Police Station.

The deceased has been identified as Mukta Santosh Kale, a resident of Mahalunge, Balewadi, who was undergoing training in a beauty parlor course. The injured woman, Shilpa Kamble, also from Balewadi, filed a complaint with the police.

The accident occurred around 11 a.m. on January 21 at Ganraj Chowk, Baner. According to the police report, the two-wheeler had stopped at a signal when a speeding dumper rammed into it from behind. The impact caused Mukta to fall under the dumper’s wheels, resulting in her instant death. Shilpa Kamble sustained injuries and was given medical assistance.

Assistant Police Inspector Rutuja Jadhav is leading the investigation. The police are searching for the absconding dumper driver.

The incident has highlighted concerns over the violation of restrictions on heavy vehicles in Pune. Despite a daytime ban on heavy vehicles like dumpers, cement mixers, and trucks on major city roads, such vehicles continue to operate, leading to frequent and serious accidents. Residents and activists have raised questions about the enforcement of these restrictions to prevent such tragedies.