Mumbai-Pune Expressway Accident: Mixer-Bulker Rams Ganesh Idol Vehicle, Three Injured As Driver Allegedly Dozes Off

On Wednesday morning, a tragic accident occurred on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Khalapur, resulting in three individuals being injured, including two with serious leg injuries. The incident took place around 7.40 am at kilometre 20/600 on the Pune-bound lane.

A mixer-bulker, carrying a large Ganesh idol, collided with a towing vehicle, which was transporting the idol towards Pune. The mixer-bulker driver, Aniket Mahadev Pawar, 26, from Pune, has been detained by the Khalapur police. He allegedly dozed off at the wheel, causing the accident.

The injured victims are identified as Ajay Morde, 26, and Satish Gopale, 30, who both sustained serious injuries to their right legs. Prashant Morde, 34, suffered minor injuries to his hands and legs. They were initially treated at the scene by doctors from an IRB ambulance before being transported to MGM Hospital, Kamothe, for further medical attention.

The mixer-bulker, with registration number MH12/WX/7483, was being driven by Pawar, while the Tata towing vehicle, bearing registration number MH14/NH/7414, was driven by Akshay Ananda Madne, 26, from Manchar. The impact of the collision caused damage to the Ganesh idol being transported by the towing vehicle.

Following the accident, IRB personnel utilized a crane to move the damaged vehicles to the shoulder lane, allowing traffic to resume. The damaged Ganesh idol was also relocated to the side of the road and handed over to the Ganesh mandal president, Santosh Morde, and other members. The police investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances leading to the accident.