A chilling road accident narrowly avoided turning fatal on the Balewadi Wakad Highway in Pune after iron rods being transported on a pickup van pierced straight into a Maruti Ertiga following behind. The incident occurred when the pickup driver allegedly applied sudden brakes, causing the unsecured iron rods to shoot forward and ram into the car.
Visuals from the spot showed the iron rod entering the Ertiga from the front side and reaching up to the dashboard, stopping just short of the passenger area. Miraculously, no one was injured. Locals and motorists who witnessed the scene described it as a matter of seconds that separated the occupants from serious injury or death.
The accident has triggered fresh outrage over the blatant violation of traffic and transport safety norms on city roads. Carrying long iron rods without proper securing, reflectors or warning signs is a clear breach of rules, yet such vehicles continue to operate openly even on busy urban stretches like Balewadi Wakad.
Residents pointed out that the highway sees heavy daily traffic, including office commuters and school vehicles. Allowing hazardous material to be transported without safeguards on such roads reflects poorly on enforcement agencies tasked with monitoring commercial vehicles.
Police officials said they are examining the circumstances leading to the incident and will take appropriate action against the pickup driver. The episode has renewed calls for stricter checks on goods vehicles within city limits, with many warning that the next lapse may not end as fortunately.
