A tragic road accident claimed the life of a 35-year-old school teacher in Pune on Monday morning. The incident occurred on the Katraj-Kondhwa road, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety and infrastructure in the area.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The victim, identified as Lalita Prasad Kapadi, was employed at a private school in Mohammedwadi. The accident took place around 7:30 am as she was driving her scooter towards her school. According to Senior Inspector Kumar Ghadge of the Kondhwa police station, Kapadi was driving on the wrong side of the road to reach a nearby junction when the tragedy unfolded.
Inspector Ghadge clarified that there was no head-on collision. "The road condition is poor, and we suspect that while driving in the wrong direction, her scooter skidded and she fell in front of the rear wheel of a truck driving close by," he explained. The teacher came under the truck's rear wheel. Passersby rushed to help, moving her to a hospital where she was declared dead. Excessive bleeding was cited as the cause of death.
Residents Highlight Road Conditions and Traffic Diversions
Local residents pointed to the poor condition of the road as a significant contributing factor. They also revealed that traffic movement on the stretch had been rerouted in recent days. On Monday, traffic police had implemented diversions to facilitate VIP movements in the area.
These new traffic rules have caused considerable inconvenience. A resident stated, "We have to take long detours to reach our destinations," affecting commutes towards both Katraj and Phursungi. The combination of diversions and subpar road infrastructure is creating a hazardous environment for daily commuters.
Police Response and Road Safety Measures
Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil emphasized that driving on the wrong side was a primary cause. "The deceased drove her scooter in the wrong direction, which resulted in the accident," he said. However, he also acknowledged the need for improved safety on a road that has repeatedly witnessed fatal accidents.
Patil assured that authorities are adopting good measures to enhance safety. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach involving better road maintenance, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and public awareness to prevent such accidents in the future.
