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Eight Killed, 13 Injured In Fiery Crash At Pune’s Navale Bridge
A major accident on the Pune–Bengaluru highway near Navale Bridge resulted in eight fatalities and 13 injuries when a heavy trailer truck lost control and collided with multiple vehicles on Thursday evening. The truck crashed through a car, which became trapped between the trailer and another truck, triggering a massive fire that engulfed the vehicles. Emergency response teams, including firefighters and rescue crews, worked at the scene to extinguish the blaze and manage the wreckage.
Car Sandwiched Between Trucks Causes Major Fire
Police reports indicate that the car hit was sandwiched between two large trucks and caught fire after the impact. Witnesses reported that the trapped occupants emerged from the vehicle with cries for help, but the fire spread rapidly. The crushed car and the engulfed trucks made rescue operations challenging. Traffic on the Satara–Mumbai carriageway was suspended for several hours as authorities cleared debris and handled the aftermath.
Investigation And Aftermath
Initial investigations suggest the trailer’s brakes may have failed as it climbed the Navale Bridge slope in Pune district, which is recognised as an accident-prone stretch. Police have registered a case of culpable homicide against the truck driver, cleaner and owner, though two of the accused died in the crash. Among the victims were five occupants of the car, including a family returning from a temple visit, and the driver and helper of one truck. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased.
