Pune: Youth Killed, Friend Injured in Tragic Katraj-Dehu Road Bypass Crash; Truck Driver Arrested

Pune, 24th June 2025 – A devastating early morning accident on the Vadgaon bridge stretch of the Katraj-Dehu Road Bypass claimed the life of a 25-year-old man and left his friend injured on Sunday. The fatal collision occurred around 5:15 am when a speeding truck rammed into a motorcycle from behind before crashing into a car.

The deceased has been identified as Kiran Pawar, a resident of Karvenagar and a native of Tasgaon in Sangli. His friend, Yash Kirdatta (25), who was riding the motorcycle, sustained injuries. The duo reportedly operated a vehicle rental business while pursuing their education.

According to the Sinhagad Road police, Pawar and Kirdatta were returning from Katraj after completing some work when the tragedy struck.

“Truck Brakes Failed,” Claims Driver

Senior Inspector Dilip Dhaingade, investigating the case, stated, “The truck driver, Shrikant Andodagi (37) from Vijaypur, Karnataka, has been arrested for causing death due to negligence. He claimed the vehicle’s brakes failed, leading to the crash.”

Inspector Dhaingade added, “The car that was hit after the motorcycle sustained significant damage, but fortunately, its driver escaped unhurt.” The police have initiated a technical inspection by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to verify the brake failure claim.

Separate Accident Near Chandni Chowk

In another incident on Saturday, a 30-year-old motorcyclist, Vikas Shinde, was injured near Chandni Chowk on the bypass road around 4:30 pm. Shinde, a resident of Chinchwad, was heading to Warje when a rear tyre of a trailer truck burst. As the driver struggled to regain control, the truck veered and struck Shinde’s bike, dragging him nearly 50 metres, as per the Warje police.

Authorities are urging stricter enforcement of road safety measures to prevent such tragedies.