Kolhapur SUV Crash Claims Lives of Father and Daughter, Leaves Four Injured
A devastating road accident in Kolhapur's Rajarampuri area on Saturday afternoon resulted in the tragic deaths of a father and his married daughter, while four other two-wheeler riders sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred at Shahu Mill Chowk around 4:30 PM when a speeding SUV collided with three two-wheelers, causing immediate fatalities and significant destruction.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to the Rajarampuri police, the chain of events began when a 19-year-old SUV driver was speeding from Rajarampuri towards Kotitirth lake. At Rajarampuri Chowk, the vehicle initially struck two vehicles and an autorickshaw. When the autorickshaw driver attempted to intervene and stop the reckless driver, the SUV driver accelerated dramatically and raced toward Shahu Mill Chowk.
The enraged autorickshaw driver pursued the SUV in a chase. As the car approached Shahu Mill Chowk at dangerously high speed, the young driver lost control completely. The SUV then collided head-on with three two-wheelers traveling from the opposite direction.
The impact was so severe that it destroyed the two-wheelers upon contact. The force flung the riders into the air, with victims landing on the roadside while the SUV itself crashed into the road divider and overturned completely.
Victims Identified, Multiple Injuries Reported
The deceased have been identified as Deepak Vanshe, 66, a resident of Dilbahar Talim area, and his daughter, advocate Bhagyashri Gawali, 27, who lived in Kasba Bawda. Both were pronounced dead upon arrival at CPR Hospital, where bystanders had rushed them following the accident.
Among the seriously injured were Kewal Naik, 23, from Mangalwar Peth, and Dhananjay Karajgar, 44, a resident of Gujri, Kolhapur. Two additional two-wheeler riders also sustained significant injuries in the collision. All injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at private hospitals located in the Rajarampuri and Hockey Stadium areas of the city.
Public Outrage and Police Response
Following the horrific accident, a large crowd gathered at the scene, creating considerable commotion. Angry residents pulled the 19-year-old SUV driver from the overturned vehicle, assaulted him, and subsequently handed him over to the Rajarampuri police authorities.
Eyewitnesses at the location alleged that another minor boy had been in the car with the driver and managed to flee the scene immediately after the crash. This detail has added to the ongoing investigation.
A police team from Rajarampuri police station arrived promptly after receiving information about the incident. Senior officials including Superintendent of Police Yogeshkumar Gupta, Deputy SP Priya Patil, and Traffic Branch Inspector Nandkumar More reached the spot to conduct a thorough inspection of the accident scene.
Official Statements and Legal Proceedings
Deputy SP Priya Patil confirmed the tragic outcome, stating, "Two people died, while two others were critically injured. The SUV driver was detained. The procedure to register a case is going on."
The police officials ordered that a formal case be registered against the 19-year-old driver. The legal process of filing charges continued until late Saturday night as authorities worked to document all aspects of this tragic event.
This incident has highlighted serious concerns about road safety and reckless driving in the Kolhapur region, particularly at busy intersections like Shahu Mill Chowk where multiple vehicles converge daily.
