A series of alarming accidents occurred on the Samruddhi Expressway near channel number 321.900, between Hivarkhed Purna and Tadhegaon on Friday morning. The driver of a cement mixer truck lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into the barriers and overturn. In the ensuing chaos, several following vehicles collided with each other. Notably, a speeding truck struck the line of cars that had stopped to observe the initial accident, resulting in damage to over 25 vehicles, according to preliminary estimates. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, though fifteen individuals sustained minor injuries.

 

While no major tragedy occurred, this incident underscores the critical need for caution on the Samruddhi Expressway , where serious accidents continue to happen. According to reports, the driver, Imran Ansari Miraj Ansari (24), a resident of Panvel, was transporting cement in a mixer truck from Amravati toward Mumbai. Around 6.30 am, while on a bridge between Hivarkhed Purna and Tadegaon (at channel number 321.900), he suddenly lost control of the truck. The truck struck the highway barricades with great force and overturned on the road, disturbing traffic on the expressway. After the cement-mixing truck overturned, several cars approaching from behind collided with it. Gajanan Nagare, a resident of Sonoshi who was travelling toward Pune, stopped his vehicle and helped pull the truck driver out. Cement from the truck had scattered everywhere, obscuring visibility on the road.

 

Meanwhile, traffic was halted to allow for the removal of the overturned truck and to prevent further obstruction. Additionally, many motorists stopped their vehicles -- some out of a desire to help those involved, and others simply out of curiosity to see what had happened. This resulted in long queues of cars forming near the accident site. Unfortunately, this situation set the stage for a more serious secondary accident. While the line of cars was stationary, another truck -- approaching at high speed from behind -- rammed into the queue and then fled the scene. The impact caused the stationary cars to collide with one another in a chain reaction, resulting in extensive damage to many of them. Preliminary estimates suggest that more than 25 cars may have been damaged in this incident.

 

While some cars sustained severe damage, others suffered only minor scrapes or dents. It is reported that some drivers whose vehicles sustained only minor damage chose to leave the scene and continue their journeys. Consequently, it has become difficult to determine the exact number of cars damaged in this chain-reaction accident. The precise extent of the damage will likely only be clear once the relevant authorities have conducted an inspection. Upon receiving information about the incident, police and medical teams immediately rushed to the site. Those who sustained minor injuries were provided with medical attention.

 

Fortunately, it is reported that no one suffered any serious injuries in the entire incident. Meanwhile, efforts were initiated to move the damaged truck and cars to the side of the highway. To prevent traffic congestion, the police took precautionary measures and ensured that traffic continued to flow along one side of the road. Recognising the gravity of the situation, District Superintendent of Police Nilesh Tambe, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Mehkar, and other senior police officials reached the spot. They inspected the site, provided necessary instructions, and ensured that traffic flow was restored promptly.