In a grave lapse of road safety, a major mishap occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a tanker truck carrying around 22,000 litres of petrol crashed into the newly installed height barrier on the Sitabuldi Flyover. The accident took place at around 3:50 pm and caused massive traffic disruption during peak hours. The truck (MH-31 FC 4161), driven by Kailash Jadhav, a resident of Trimurti Nagar, was en route to Raj Nagar petrol pump. It struck the barrier with great force, getting stuck under it. Despite clear and visible signage in both English and Marathi stating “Heavy Vehicles Prohibited,” the driver attempted to cross the flyover. In his statement, Jadhav claimed he failed to notice the board, though eyewitnesses alleged he was using his mobile phone while driving.

 

The incident has again exposed the recurring problem faced by the Public Works Department (PWD), which has repeatedly installed height barriers at both ends of the flyover, only to see them damaged by heavy vehicles. To prevent such mishaps, PWD had recently designed a heavier, anchor-supported iron barrier. Krusha Gharde, Executive Engineer, World Bank Division, PWD, had earlier told ‘The Hitavada’ that PWD had installed an iron barrier, which was not only heavier but was also anchored. Fortunately, no gas leakage was reported, averting a potentially catastrophic explosion. Around 30 cars were in the vicinity when the crash occurred, and citizens were quick to express outrage at the negligence. Fire Brigade officials and Traffic Police reached the site promptly and worked for nearly three hours to remove the vehicle and clear the road.

 

The flyover remained partially blocked until 6:45 pm. Meanwhile, structural engineers have warned that continued movement of heavy vehicles could compromise the safety of the flyover, which has already developed minor cracks. An FIR has been lodged against the driver, and further investigation is underway. Citizens have demanded that the height barrier be more stronger and lower than it is now, prohibiting movement of heavy vehicle through and a stern punishment for those flouting safety norms, especially when transporting hazardous materials.