A 34-year-old autorickshaw driver lost his life after his vehicle collided with a divider on the Western Express Highway (WEH) in Dahisar East on Thursday night. The deceased has been identified as Swapnil Khade, a resident of Virar. According to the police, CCTV footage and a video recorded by an onlooker revealed that Khade lost control of his vehicle, leading to the fatal crash.
Details of the Incident
The accident occurred around 8 PM near the Dahisar metro station. Khade was driving his autorickshaw from the service road at Ghartanpada no. 2 towards a flyover on the southbound arm of the WEH. His vehicle suddenly veered off and rammed into a cement divider, causing him severe injuries.
Response and Medical Attention
An onlooker immediately alerted the Dahisar Police. A mobile van was dispatched to the spot, and Khade was rushed to Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital in Kandivali. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Investigation and Evidence
Police examined CCTV footage from the location and also spoke to an eyewitness, Adesh Bhawal, 19, who had recorded a video clip of the crash on his phone. Based on this evidence, the police concluded that no other motorist was responsible for the accident. An FIR was registered against Khade for rash driving, but with his death, the case will be closed.
Postmortem and Family Notification
Khade’s body was sent for an autopsy at the hospital. Police informed his family, who reside in Virar, about the tragic incident.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to exercise caution, especially on high-speed corridors like the Western Express Highway.
