A private bus and a truck collided on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway in Maharashtra on February 24. The accident took place early in the morning, around 4 am. The truck driver lost his life, and several passengers who were inside the bus were injured in this accident. The truck rammed into the bus between the Katraj Tunnel and the Navale Bridge, near the Jambhulwadi Valley Bridge in the Katraj Ghat area. The collision was so intense that the front cabin of the truck was completely crushed in this accident.
According to initial reports, the truck was loaded with iron pipes and rods. The truck rammed into the bus from behind while it was heading toward the Navale bridge from the Katraj Tunnel. Four to five passengers were injured in this accident. The injured people were taken to a nearby hospital to get the required medical assistance. The truck driver was seriously injured, and he died during treatment at the hospital, said police officials.
The truck’s cleaner was trapped inside the damaged cabin. The rescue operation became challenging as the cabin was damaged by iron rods. The rescue team used hydraulic cutters to free him from the debris. Police, the Fire Brigade, and officials from the National Highways Authority of India arrived at the location shortly after the accident. This crash caused a massive traffic jam early morning on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway.
Police is investigating this incident and will soon find out the exact cause of the accident. They will investigate if the accident was caused by overspeeding or mechanical failure.
The authorities have advised the drivers to remain cautious while driving over the ghat sections of the hills, especially when the visibility is low during the early morning hours.