Pune: A shocking road incident near Sungrace School in Wanwadi on Friday (January 24) morning resulted in the tragic death of a PMPML bus driver, Sanjay Machhindra Deshmukh (50), a resident of Kale Padal. Deshmukh lost his life while pursuing a garbage truck that had damaged his bus.

According to Senior Police Inspector Satyajit Adamane of Wanawadi Police Station, the incident began at Samvidhan Chowk in Wanawadi around 9 a.m. when a minor collision occurred between a PMC garbage truck and a PMPML bus, breaking the bus’s side mirror. This led to an argument between Deshmukh and the garbage truck driver, Rajat Kishor Baboolkar (28).

Following the argument, Baboolkar fled the scene in the garbage truck. Deshmukh, determined to stop him, borrowed a ride from a passing two-wheeler rider and pursued the truck for approximately half a kilometer.

The chase ended near Sungrace School, where Deshmukh managed to stop the truck and take a photograph of its number plate. As Deshmukh stood at the back of the truck, Baboolkar allegedly started the vehicle in an attempt to escape again.

In the process, Deshmukh was struck by the truck, fell to the ground, and was run over by its rear wheels. Passersby immediately rushed Deshmukh to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

The Wanawadi Police have arrested Baboolkar and registered a case against him. Further investigations are ongoing. This tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by public transport drivers and the importance of road safety and accountability.