Pune: A tragic accident on Friday (January 24) evening claimed the lives of two female students near Wadjainagar Corner on the Hinjewadi-Man Road. A speeding ready-mix cement dumper lost control at a curve and overturned, crushing the two students who were passing by on a two-wheeler.

The victims, identified as Pranjali Mahesh Yadav (22) and Ashlesha Narendra Gawande (22), were final-year science students at MIT College. Both were residents of Mahalunge, Mulshi, but originally hailed from Solapur and Amravati, respectively.

The accident occurred around 5 PM when the dumper, carrying 32 tons of cement, approached a curve at high speed. The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn.

Unfortunately, Pranjali and Ashlesha, who were riding their two-wheeler, were directly in the path of the falling dumper. The immense weight of the loaded vehicle left their bodies completely crushed, making rescue efforts nearly impossible.

Police and fire brigade personnel arrived at the scene promptly after being informed. Three cranes were deployed to lift the overturned dumper and recover the victims' remains.

Assistant Police Commissioner Rajendra Kurade confirmed that the 22-year-old dumper driver had been taken into custody and further investigation is underway. The accident also led to heavy traffic congestion as a large crowd gathered at the site. Authorities worked to clear the area and restore normalcy.

The dumper’s weight and impact were so severe that the victims’ disfigured remains had to be collected using shovels, leaving even seasoned rescue personnel shaken.

A Narrow Escape

Another young man riding a two-wheeler nearby narrowly avoided the same fate. Upon noticing the dumper overturning, he abandoned his vehicle and fled. Had he been even a foot closer, he too would have been crushed under the massive vehicle.