A devastating head-on collision on the busy Nashik-Peth highway resulted in four fatalities and left eight others seriously injured on Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred close to the Chachadgaon toll plaza, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The Scene of the Tragedy
According to Inspector Raghunath Shegar of the Dindori police station, the crash took place around 3 pm, approximately 500 meters from the toll collection point. A sports utility vehicle (SUV) traveling from Nashik towards Peth collided violently with an oncoming multi-utility vehicle (MUV). The impact was severe, leaving both vehicles badly mangled.
The stretch of road where the accident occurred lacks a central divider. Preliminary investigation suggests the SUV was in the process of overtaking another vehicle when it crashed directly into the MUV coming from the opposite direction.
Fatalities and Identities of the Victims
Tragically, four individuals lost their lives on the spot. The deceased include one passenger from the SUV and three occupants of the MUV.
The victim from the SUV has been identified as Chogalal Gurjar, a 75-year-old man from Deogarh in Rajasthan. From the MUV, the driver, a woman, and another passenger died. The identity of one passenger from the MUV is yet to be established by authorities.
Injured Victims and Hospitalization
The eight injured survivors, who sustained serious wounds, were rushed to Nashik Civil Hospital for emergency treatment. Among them are three young girls between the ages of 10 and 14.
The injured from the SUV are all residents of Deogarh, Rajasthan: Kishanlal Gurjar (45), Ganeshi Gurjar (42), Khushi Gurjar (12), and Punam Gurjar (20).
Those injured from the MUV are all from Ghumra in Chandanwadi taluka of Gujarat: Payal Pawar (14), Sheetal Pawar (22), Kajal Pawar (10), and Monali Pawar (age not established).
Aftermath and Police Action
The catastrophic crash disrupted traffic flow on the Nashik-Peth highway for a considerable period as emergency services worked at the scene. The Dindori police confirmed that they are in the process of registering a formal case of causing death due to negligence against the responsible parties.
This incident highlights the persistent dangers on highway stretches without proper dividers, especially during overtaking maneuvers. It serves as a grim reminder for motorists to exercise extreme caution.
