Triple Bike Ride Ends in Tragedy: One Dead After Collision with Truck in Ghatkopar
A devastating road accident in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area has resulted in the death of a young man after three friends riding triple on a bike collided with a truck. The incident, which occurred last week, has led to the Ghatkopar police registering an FIR against the rider of the bike, highlighting serious traffic violations.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident took place around 10 pm on January 28 on the Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road near Shreyas cinema. According to Senior Inspector Satish Jadhav of the Ghatkopar police station, the trio—identified as Nitin Patwa, Manthan Bhalerao, and Chetan Sharma, all residents of Ghatkopar in their twenties—were traveling on a single bike at high speed and on the wrong side of the road. This reckless driving led to a head-on collision with a truck coming from the opposite direction.
The impact of the crash was severe, causing all three individuals to be flung from the bike onto the road. Manthan Bhalerao, who was seated in the middle, bore the brunt of the collision and was thrown a considerable distance. The truck driver, K Kamble, immediately contacted the police control room to report the accident. Kamble stated that he observed the scooter approaching at high speed from the wrong side and attempted to slow down, but the collision occurred before he could take evasive action.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
Following the accident, Manthan Bhalerao was rushed to a local hospital by his two friends, who sustained minor injuries. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later transferred to KEM Hospital. Tragically, on Wednesday, he succumbed to the injuries sustained in the crash.
Senior Inspector Jadhav emphasized that the police investigation revealed no fault on the part of the truck driver. "The truck driver was proceeding on the correct side of the road and promptly informed authorities after the incident," Jadhav explained. Consequently, an FIR has been filed against the bike rider, Nitin Patwa, for multiple violations, including riding triple seat, speeding, and driving on the wrong side. Patwa was issued a notice to participate in the investigation at a later date and was subsequently released.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
This incident underscores critical issues related to road safety in urban areas like Mumbai. Riding triple on a two-wheeler and driving on the wrong side are not only illegal but also pose significant risks to all road users. The police action in this case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of such negligent behavior.
Authorities are urging the public to adhere to traffic rules to prevent similar tragedies. This case highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of road safety regulations to protect lives on busy city streets.
