A religious journey to Ujjain met with a devastating turn for a family from Nashik in the early hours of Sunday morning. Their car collided with a dumper on the Kanadia bridge in Indore, leaving multiple family members injured and their pilgrimage plans shattered.
The Early Morning Collision on Kanadia Bridge
The incident occurred around 6 am, as the family was en route to Ujjain for a sacred darshan at the Mahakal temple. According to statements from the Kanadia police, the chain of events began when another vehicle abruptly overtook a dumper truck. This sudden maneuver reportedly forced the dumper driver to slam on the emergency brakes.
The car, which was travelling behind the dumper, could not stop in time and crashed into the rear of the heavy vehicle. In a concerning development, the dumper driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, taking the vehicle with him.
Victims and Injuries from the Nashik Family
The occupants of the car were identified as Nilesh Wakle, a property broker based in Nashik, his wife Megha, and their children. The collision resulted in significant injuries for several members. Nilesh Wakle sustained head injuries, while Megha suffered a fracture in her hand. Their son, Anshu, was also injured in the crash.
Miraculously, their daughter Mahi and the car driver, Harshad Balekar, escaped without any physical harm. Police personnel arrived promptly at the accident site, and all the victims were quickly transported to a nearby private hospital for medical treatment.
Seatbelts and Airbags: The Lifesaving Factors
Driver Harshad Balekar provided crucial insight to the police about what prevented a greater tragedy. He emphasized that the use of seatbelts and the timely deployment of the car's front airbags were instrumental in safeguarding the lives of those inside.
This safety equipment proved especially vital given that the passengers in the rear seat were asleep at the moment of impact, leaving them unprepared for the sudden crash. The incident starkly highlights the critical importance of road safety measures, even on spiritual journeys.
