Pune, Maharashtra: Seven people lost their lives after a car was crushed between two container trucks on the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway near Pune’s Navale Bridge on Thursday. The collision triggered a massive fire, engulfing the vehicles and causing severe damage. According to officials, eight to ten others sustained injuries and were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The incident occurred when a heavy container truck travelling towards Mumbai reportedly suffered a brake failure. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Sambhaji Kadam said the driver lost control of the vehicle upon reaching the bridge. The out of control truck rammed into another container truck ahead of it.
A car travelling between the two heavy vehicles was trapped and crushed due to the impact.
The collision led to a major fire, with visuals circulating online showing the car engulfed in intense flames. Fire and police teams reached the spot promptly and began rescue operations. The blaze was brought under control after sustained efforts, but the damaged vehicles made the recovery process challenging.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar visited the accident site and reviewed the ongoing relief efforts. He stated that the fire broke out due to the force of the collision. “We are investigating the exact sequence of events. At this stage, our focus is on ensuring timely medical care for the injured,” he said.
Authorities have begun retrieving bodies from the affected vehicles and are working to clear the highway to restore traffic movement. The incident highlights persistent concerns about safety along the busy Navale Bridge stretch, which has witnessed multiple accidents over the years.
An in depth investigation is underway to determine whether technical failure or human error led to the tragic accident.
