On Wednesday morning, a serious accident occurred on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway when a mixer-bulker crashed into a vehicle towing a large Ganesh idol. The incident took place around 7:40 AM near Khalapur, specifically at kilometer 20/600 on the Pune-bound lane. Initial reports suggest that the driver of the mixer-bulker, identified as Aniket Mahadev Pawar, fell asleep at the wheel, which led to the collision.
The accident resulted in injuries to three individuals, two of whom sustained serious leg injuries. The victims have been identified as Ajay Morde (26) and Satish Gopale (30), while the third individual, Prashant Morde (34), suffered minor injuries. Emergency medical personnel responded promptly, providing initial treatment at the scene before transporting the injured to MGM Hospital, Kamothe, for further care.
- Accident details — Mixer-bulker driver reportedly dozed off while driving.
- Injuries reported — Three individuals injured, two seriously.
- Investigation underway — Police are examining the circumstances of the accident.
Following the collision, local authorities took immediate action to clear the scene. Personnel from the IRB used a crane to remove the damaged vehicles from the roadway, allowing traffic to resume. The Ganesh idol, which was being transported by the towing vehicle, was also moved to the side of the road and handed over to members of the Ganesh mandal, including its president, Santosh Morde.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding driver fatigue and road safety on busy highways like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. As investigations continue, authorities will focus on implementing measures to prevent similar accidents in the future, ensuring the safety of all motorists on this vital route.
