Out-of-Control Dumper Truck Causes Chaos on Pune Bypass, Rams Eight Vehicles Before Catching Fire
A major traffic disruption occurred on Wednesday evening when an out-of-control dumper truck rammed multiple vehicles and subsequently caught fire on the busy Katraj-Dehu Road bypass in Pune. The incident, which took place around 6pm between Dari Pul and Vadgaon Bridge, led to significant traffic congestion for nearly an hour, though fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Sequence of Events: From Loss of Control to Blaze
According to Senior Inspector Sharad Zine of Ambegaon police, the truck was loaded with crushed stone and traveling from the New Katraj tunnel towards Navale Bridge when the driver lost control. "Within a stretch of about 100 metres near Dari Pul (viaduct), the dumper hit seven cars and SUVs traveling ahead," Inspector Zine stated. The vehicle then continued its destructive path, speeding towards Bhumkar Bridge where it struck an eighth car.
Senior Inspector Aasaram Shete of Narhe police provided further details, noting that the truck moved approximately 300 meters after the final collision before its rear portion caught fire. "We suspect continuous impact and excessive heat caused a tyre to ignite, engulfing the rear section in flames," Inspector Shete explained, highlighting the potential cause of the fire.
Emergency Response and Traffic Restoration
Fire brigade personnel responded promptly to the scene and successfully doused the blaze, preventing further damage. Police officers worked efficiently to manage the aftermath:
- Damaged vehicles were shifted to the side of the road to clear the bypass.
- Traffic flow was restored within an hour of the incident, minimizing prolonged disruption.
- Investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing.
In a notable development, the driver of the dumper truck allegedly fled the scene immediately after the incident. However, he later contacted the police and presented himself at the station, where further inquiries are being conducted.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and driver vigilance on high-traffic routes, especially in urban areas like Pune where such bypasses are critical for daily commutes.
