A horrific late-night crash on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway has resulted in the death of two persons and left five others injured. The accident occurred when a container trailer allegedly switched lanes abruptly and rammed into a multi-utility vehicle (MUV).
Details of the Fatal Collision
The incident took place in the early hours of Monday, December 29, near the Adai bridge in Panvel taluka. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the MUV was travelling in the second lane of the expressway around 2:30 am when a container trailer, which was in the third lane, suddenly changed lanes.
The trailer collided with the right side of the MUV. The impact was so severe that the MUV's driver, Vishal Shedge (32), lost control. The vehicle veered into the first lane before coming to a halt. The trailer driver also stopped at the scene.
Victims and Aftermath
Tragically, two passengers in the MUV succumbed to their injuries. The deceased have been identified as Arun Kachare (45) and Tulsa Pawar (43), both residents of Sangli. Five others sustained injuries.
The injured include:
- Complainant and driver Vishal Shedge (32)
- His wife, Suvarna (30)
- Their three-year-old son, Shreyansh
- Dhanashree (39), wife of deceased Arun Kachare and sister of Vishal Shedge
- Sushant (26), son of deceased Tulsa Pawar
An ambulance from the IRB agency rushed all victims to MGM Hospital in Kamothe. Doctors declared Arun Kachare and Tulsa Pawar dead on arrival. The other occupants received treatment for minor injuries.
Police Action and Family Connections
The Khandeshwar police have registered a case against the container trailer driver, identified as Chanduprakash Chaudhary (40), a resident of Hathras in Uttar Pradesh. He has been booked for rash and negligent driving causing death.
As per the new provisions of the law (BNSS), Chaudhary has not been arrested but has been served a notice. Investigating officer PSI Shailesh Bhadre provided further family details. The group was returning from a wedding in Sangli they had attended on December 27. The MUV occupants were a close-knit family group, highlighting the personal tragedy of the event.
This tragic accident on one of Maharashtra's busiest expressways underscores the critical need for lane discipline and cautious driving, especially during night hours.
