A horrific accident on the Pune–Bengaluru Highway near Navale Bridge on Thursday evening around 6 p.m. shook the entire area. A speeding container truck with failed brakes lost control and rammed into eight to ten vehicles coming from the opposite direction. In this devastating accident, seven people died on the spot and four others were seriously injured. The impact caused several vehicles to catch fire, creating panic in the vicinity.
According to eyewitnesses, a container truck traveling from Satara toward Mumbai lost control while descending the steep slope near the new Katraj tunnel. Due to its high speed, the container crashed violently into a car in front of it. The car then got stuck under a truck ahead, and within moments, both vehicles caught fire. The flames spread rapidly, and four passengers in the car, the container’s cleaner, and two others died instantly. Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased.
After the accident, massive traffic congestion was reported in the area. Pune Police, PMRDA, and Pune Municipal Corporation fire brigades rushed to the spot and worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire. The injured were immediately taken to a nearby hospital, and police officials confirmed that the condition of some remains critical.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3) Sambhaji Kadam stated, “As per preliminary information, seven people have died and four have been injured in this accident. A panchanama (on-site investigation) is underway, and an inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause and those responsible.”
Traffic is stopped; residents are encouraged to take different paths.
The lane from Satara toward Mumbai on the Pune–Bengaluru Highway has been completely blocked due to the accident. Traffic police have begun removing the damaged vehicles and are working to bring the situation under control. Meanwhile, citizens have been urged to avoid traveling on this route for the next few hours.
The traffic department has advised motorists to use the old Katraj Ghat route instead. Only essential travel should be undertaken near Navale Bridge, and citizens are requested to follow police instructions and cooperate with the authorities.
Highlights:
Seven people dead, four injured in the accident
Brake failure of container truck caused the crash
Eight vehicles crushed; some caught fire
Traffic halted on the Pune–Bengaluru Highway
Police, fire brigade, and emergency teams at the scene