A tragic pre-dawn accident on the busy Pune-Bengaluru National Highway in Kolhapur claimed the lives of three men on Thursday. The victims were warming themselves by a roadside bonfire when they were struck by a speeding SUV.
Details of the Fatal Kolhapur Highway Incident
The accident occurred near Tawade Hotel Chowk at approximately 5:30 am on Thursday. According to police officials, the three deceased individuals have been identified. They are Dilip Annappa Pawar (65), a resident of Valivade Road in Gandhinagar; Sudhir Kamlakar Kamble (41), who hailed from Atpadi in Sangli district; and Vinay Singh Goud (27), a migrant labourer from Madhya Pradesh.
Inspector Santosh Doke of the Shahupuri Police Station provided a preliminary account of the events. The SUV, which bears a Thane City registration, was being driven by its owner towards Pune. "The driver attempted to avoid a collision with another vehicle that was trying to overtake him," Doke stated. "In a moment of panic, he mistakenly pressed the accelerator pedal instead of the brake. This caused the vehicle to veer off and hit the three men who were sitting by the bonfire."
Aftermath and Police Investigation
The impact of the crash was severe, and all three men died on the spot. Emergency services transported the bodies to CPR Hospital for post-mortem examinations. Police have informed the families of the victims about the devastating incident.
Following the accident, the driver of the SUV fled the scene. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to trace and apprehend him. Inspector Doke confirmed that an FIR will be registered against the driver once he is located. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events and any potential lapses.
A Grim Reminder of Road Safety
This fatal accident on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway underscores the persistent dangers on Indian roads, especially during early morning hours. The victims, comprising two locals and one migrant worker, highlight how road tragedies cut across societal segments. The police are urging witnesses to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation. The community in Kolhapur has been left in shock by this sudden and heartbreaking loss of life.
