Tragic Pile-Up on Mumbai-Pune Expressway: 1 Dead, 20 Vehicles Involved
One person was killed and 18 others injured after a speeding container trailer truck reportedly rammed into 18-20 vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Saturday afternoon.
The incident took place near the Adoshi tunnel under Khopoli police station limits in Khalapur taluka in Raigad district, according to news agency PTI, citing a police official. The driver of the container trailer truck lost control of the vehicle due to brake failure. It hit at least 20 vehicles, including luxury cars like BMW and Mercedes, resulting in serious injuries to 19 people.
A woman was killed in the incident, and the victims were admitted to a private hospital in Navi Mumbai. The driver was taken into custody by Khopoli police. However, a medical examination revealed that he was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.
The massive pile-up on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway brought traffic to a standstill near Datta Food Mall, shortly after the descent from the Lonavala-Khandala ghat section. At least 20 vehicles, including luxury cars, were involved in the crash. Local reports suggested that the container truck, allegedly speeding, suffered brake failure and crashed into a vehicle, triggering a chain-reaction collision involving 18 to 20 vehicles.
The accident occurred on one of India’s busiest expressways, which sees a daily volume of 1.5 to 2 lakh vehicles, with numbers increasing on weekends. The pile-up caused traffic to back up for nearly five kilometres, leaving scores of vehicles stranded. The impact was severe— at least three vehicles were completely crushed, and several others were badly damaged. Many passengers reportedly received serious injuries.
Emergency teams were immediately deployed to assist the injured and clear the wreckage. Traffic movement came to a halt, prompting authorities to divert vehicles via alternative routes. Police and local officials remained at the scene, working continuously to manage the situation and restore order. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a crucial artery connecting two major cities, is known for its high traffic volume and occasional accidents, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures and regular maintenance.
