Old Mumbai-Pune Highway Accident: Two Teens Lost Lives, One Critical After Bike Hits Tempo

Two minors lost their lives in a tragic collision on the Old Mumbai-Pune National Highway near the Dargah area in Hal Khurd late on Monday night, 18 November, as reported by Punekar news. The incident occurred at around 11:30 pm when one of the motorcycles they were riding crashed into a stationary tempo parked on the bridge.

The victims have been identified as Ajay Akhade (16) and Darshan Vetal (16). A third individual, Prathamesh Sonwane (17), sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at MGM Kamothe Hospital. The group of six youths was returning from the Sajgaon Yatra near Matheran on two motorcycles when the accident took place.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, Ajay and Darshan succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances, including whether the tempo was parked legally and if safety measures were violated. This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of road safety and adherence to traffic regulations.

About The Mumbai-Pune Expressway

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, India's first expressway, is one of the country's busiest highways. It plays a key role in connecting Mumbai, India's financial hub, with Pune, an industrial and cultural centre. Part of the Golden Quadrilateral's Mumbai-Bangalore-Chennai corridor, this expressway has revolutionised connectivity, reduced travel time, and spurred urban growth in both cities.

In February 2020, the Old Mumbai-Pune National Highway (NH-48) and the expressway were handed over to a private company under the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation's Toll-Operate-Transfer model. This project marked a milestone in modern infrastructure management, aiming to enhance road safety and efficiency.

The tragic accident on this stretch of highway serves as a reminder of the pressing need to enforce traffic regulations and maintain vigilance to ensure the safety of all road users.