Pune: A 35-year-old man was killed in a tragic incident on September 26 (Thursday) night, after a crane collided with his motorcycle, resulting in the death of the rider. The accident occurred at around 10:30 pm near Balaji Hotel, just past Khadi Machine Chowk.

The deceased, identified as Chandaram Tejaram Chaudhary (35), was a resident of Green Country, Bhekrai Nagar. A complaint regarding the incident was filed by Jetharam Babulal Jat (20) at the Kondhwa Police Station. Based on the complaint, the police have arrested the crane driver, Rajaram Bhagwan Devkar (41), a resident of Katraj.

Despite the rapidly growing number of vehicles on Katraj-Kondhwa Road, the road-widening project has been progressing at a sluggish pace for several years. The delay, combined with the heavy rainfall, has led to an increase in accidents on this critical stretch.

According to the police, Jetharam and the deceased, Chandaram, worked at a granite shop owned by their relative Ramniwas Chaudhary. After closing the shop around 10:30 pm, the two men were on their way home, with Jetharam riding pillion on Chandaram's motorcycle.

As they passed near Balaji Hotel, a crane coming from behind struck their bike. Jetharam was thrown to the left side of the road, while Chandaram fell to the right, directly in front of the crane. The crane's wheel ran over Chandaram, causing him to die instantly on the scene.

The accident highlights ongoing safety concerns for commuters on Katraj-Kondhwa Road, where road-widening work has failed to keep pace with increasing traffic volumes.

Local residents have frequently voiced complaints about the inadequate progress on the project, particularly given the high number of vehicles using the route and the dangers posed during the monsoon season.

The police have detained the crane driver, and further investigation is underway.