Key Points
- Massive pile-up involving 18–20 vehicles after container truck’s brakes failed near Dutta Food Mall on Mumbai-Pune Expressway Saturday morning.
- At least three vehicles completely crushed; multiple injuries reported, with victims rushed to nearby hospitals.
- Accident caused over a 5 km long traffic jam; police and emergency crews struggling to clear the expressway.
- Khandala Ghat recognized as an accident-prone stretch, especially during busy weekends.
- Traffic diversions in place; authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
- Relief and rescue operations continue as police appeal for patience from commuters.
Mumbai: A devastating road accident brought traffic to a halt on the busy Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Saturday. Near Dutta Food Mall in the treacherous Khandala Ghat section, a container truck suffered a brake failure while descending, ploughing into a line of vehicles ahead. The chain reaction led to a massive pile-up involving 18 to 20 cars and heavy vehicles, with the impact so severe that at least three vehicles were left completely mangled.
Dozens Injured, Emergency Teams Mobilized
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic, as several cars were crushed and traffic screeched to a halt. Area police, highway patrol, and ambulances responded within minutes, pulling the injured from the wreckage and ferrying them to nearby hospitals in Lonavala and Pune. The exact number of injuries is still being confirmed, but authorities stated that dozens sustained varying levels of trauma.
Five-Kilometer Jam, Alternate Routes Activated
The multi-vehicle pile-up produced an enormous traffic jam stretching over five kilometers, with stranded vehicles lined up across the expressway. Traffic police are struggling to manage the situation due to the volume of weekend travellers and the complicated rescue effort. Alternate routes and diversions have been set up to ease the congestion, but authorities have warned that delays will continue through the afternoon.
Accident Hotspot: Khandala Ghat’s Deadly Reputation
The section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway through Khandala Ghat is notoriously dangerous, especially during weekends when traffic surges with holidaymakers and commuters. Steep descents and sharp bends, combined with high volume and poor driving practices, have contributed to a history of major accidents in this area.
Investigation and Safety Appeal
Preliminary investigation suggests brake failure on the container truck was the trigger, but police have launched a probe to look into vehicle maintenance and possible lapses in safety checks. The stretch remains under close monitoring, with more highway patrols deployed to prevent further mishaps.
Watch the Shocking Crash Video
Footage from the scene, now circulating on social media, reveals the magnitude of the devastation and the urgency of the rescue efforts. Commuters are urged to avoid the stretch and obey diversion advisories until further notice.
