Pune: A major accident took place on the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway between Dari Pul and Navale Bridge on Thursday evening. A loaded truck, suspected to have suffered brake failure, rammed into eight to ten vehicles before crashing into a car with massive force. The car was dragged ahead and smashed between two trucks. The impact was so severe that the car was completely crushed and caught fire, leading to a loud explosion. Eight people, including two women, a child, and four men, were burnt to death in the accident.
Fire Brigade’s Quick Response
At around 5:40 pm, the Fire Brigade Control Room received a call about the accident near Navale Bridge. Within minutes, a fire engine from Sinhagad Road Fire Station was dispatched. By 5:48 pm, the first fire engine reached the spot, followed by two more vehicles from PMRDA and Navale Fire Brigade within a minute.
Fire fighters immediately began spraying water to control the blaze. Once the fire was brought under control, the crushed car was found trapped under the truck. A crane was used to separate the vehicles. Rescue teams used cutters and spreaders to retrieve the bodies from the mangled car. Two men, two women, and a small child were found inside the car, while two more bodies were recovered from the truck. Over 40 fire personnel participated in the operation.
20 Injured; Condition Stable
Around 20 people were injured in the accident and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Most of them are reported to be in stable condition. However, officials fear that the death toll may rise.
Cause of Accident: Brake Failure Suspected
According to preliminary information, the Rajasthan-registered truck was travelling towards Satara. On the steep downhill section near Navale Bridge, its brakes are believed to have failed, as brake marks were visible on the road. The out-of-control truck hit multiple vehicles and then rammed into a container truck. A car caught between the two heavy vehicles was completely crushed and burst into flames. The driver of the truck also died in the incident, police said.
Repeated Accidents Spark Public Anger
Navale Bridge has become a frequent accident zone, and Thursday’s incident has once again raised serious concerns. Former corporator Vasant More expressed anger, stating that only installing cameras and rumblers is not enough.
“This entire stretch is downhill. Proper traffic planning, police deployment, safety measures, and strict speed control are urgently needed. After every accident, leaders only conduct visits, but no real solutions are implemented,” he said.
Former MLA Ravindra Dhangekar also demanded a high-level inquiry into the accident.
Rescue operations are still underway, and traffic on the highway was temporarily halted. Authorities are working to restore normal movement and clear the accident site.
