A joyous post-wedding pilgrimage turned into an unimaginable tragedy in Solapur district, resulting in the death of five family members. The newly married couple, however, survived the horrific crash with injuries.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident occurred on Sunday night near the Jambalbet bridge on the Barshi-Latur highway. According to Assistant Inspector Hemantkumar Katkar of Pangri police station, the tragic event unfolded around 8:30 PM. The SUV, carrying the family, attempted to overtake another vehicle. In doing so, it suddenly came into the path of an oncoming goods carrier truck, leading to a devastating head-on collision.
The impact was so severe that the SUV was flung off the road and into a roadside ditch. Police reported that rescuers had to break open the vehicle's doors to extricate the injured occupants from the mangled wreckage.
Victims and Survivors
The deceased have been identified as close relatives of the groom, Aniket Kamble (25). They are his parents, Jaya and Gautam Kamble, both in their 60s; his uncle and aunt, Sanjay Waghmare (50) and Sarika Waghmare (45); and the bride Meghna's (22) aunt, Rita Kamble (47).
The couple, Meghna and Aniket Kamble from Panvel, had gotten married just last week. They were travelling to the Tuljapur temple in Dharashiv district to seek the goddess's blessings. Their journey had begun from Kurduwadi in Solapur, where the Waghmares resided. The accident happened approximately 60 km from Kurduwadi.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
The injured newlyweds were rushed to the civil hospital. Police have confirmed that they are currently out of danger and receiving treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to their families to perform the last rites.
In a concerning development, the driver of the truck fled the scene and is currently absconding. Law enforcement officials have stated that they are actively tracing both the driver and the owner of the goods carrier truck for further investigation into the cause of the crash.
This heartbreaking incident on a major Maharashtra highway has once again highlighted the grave consequences of reckless driving and overtaking maneuvers, snatching away lives during a moment of family celebration and faith.
