Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Three men lost their lives after a high-speed tractor rammed into their two-wheeler near Lihikhedi Phata on the Sillod–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar stretch around 9 PM on Saturday. The tractor operator abandoned the vehicle and fled immediately after the collision.
The deceased has been identified as Samadhan Aghade (41) and Vikas Sonawane (25) and Kashinath Pandhare (45) were travelling from Upali to Anwa in Bhokardan tehsil to attend the Navratri celebrations of Aajubai Devi when the accident occurred. Samadhan and Vikas died instantly, while Kashinath, severely injured, succumbed during treatment at the Sillod sub-district hospital around 11.30 pm.
Eyewitnesses reported that the speeding tractor, approaching from the opposite lane, struck the bike head-on, flinging the riders several feet away. Locals who rushed to the scene transported the injured trio to the hospital, but doctors could not save them. Ajantha police station have registered a case and launched a search for the absconding driver. API Amol Dhakne is leading the probe. All three deceased earned their livelihood through daily-wage labour. Kashinath, who owned a small plot of land, is survived by his wife, son, daughter and a sibling. Samadhan leaves behind his spouse and two children; his mother had passed away just two months ago. Vikas, the youngest, was unmarried and is mourned by his father and brothers. Kashinath’s final rites were performed at 1.30 pm on Sunday afternoon on the banks of the Poorna River. Samadhan and Vikas were cremated shortly after on the banks of the Anjana River.
Captions:
1. Mangled remains of the tractor and bike at the crash site.
2. Victims: Samadhan Aghade, Kashinath Pandhare, and Vikas Sonawane.