Nagpur's New Year celebrations took a tragic turn in the early hours of 2026 when a severe road accident threatened to overshadow the festive spirit. However, the swift and courageous actions of three traffic police officers ensured a tale of survival amidst the potential tragedy.
Midnight Collision on a Busy Highway
The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 am on January 1, 2026, near the Defence Gate at Aathwa Mile on the heavily trafficked Nagpur-Amravati Road. According to senior traffic inspector Sarang Mirashi of the MIDC traffic zone, a car was attempting to cross the main highway from a side road when a speeding motorcycle collided with it near the driver's door.
The impact was severe. The two individuals on the motorcycle, who were not wearing helmets, were thrown onto the road. They were identified as 25-year-old rider Ritik Lute and 25-year-old pillion rider Jay Ghodeswar. Both sustained critical injuries and were bleeding profusely on the roadway.
A Critical Decision in the Dead of Night
With the city still echoing with New Year celebrations, immediate help was scarce. Inspector Mirashi, who was on patrol duty with head constables Ravikant Singh and driver Sachin Barsagade, received the alert and raced to the scene. Faced with no ambulance in sight and the clock ticking on the crucial 'golden hour' for trauma care, the officers made a bold call.
"In the dead of night, with celebrations echoing, no ambulance or private help was available. Time was running out. We had to take a decision," explained Mirashi, who had also alerted DCP Traffic Lohit Matani.
Race Against Time to Mayo Hospital
Prioritizing life over procedure, the trio carefully loaded the two bleeding victims into their police vehicle. With sirens blaring, they sped towards Mayo Hospital, navigating the roads to deliver the injured men to emergency care as fast as possible.
This rapid intervention proved pivotal. Doctors confirmed that getting the victims to the hospital swiftly allowed them to stabilize the patients. Tragically, despite these efforts, Jay Ghodeswar succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at 7 pm on Thursday. The prompt actions of the police, however, were instrumental in giving Ritik Lute a fighting chance for survival.
While the official probe into the crash is ongoing, initial reports point to excess speed by the motorcyclist and a possible lack of caution as the car crossed the road. The police also noted the riders' violation of safety norms by not wearing helmets.
The officers simultaneously informed the Police Control Room (PCR) and Wadi police station, setting the official legal and investigative process in motion. Their decisive action in a moment of crisis stands as a testament to their dedication beyond the call of duty.
