Major Accident on Mumbai-Pune Expressway Near Khopoli Ghat: Steel Pipes Fall on Vehicles, 2 Feared Dead

Details of the Accident

According to preliminary reports, the accident took place around 7 PM at the beginning of the Khopoli Ghat stretch. A truck carrying a heavy load of steel pipes was ascending the ghat section when it came to a halt due to slow-moving weekend traffic. Witnesses stated that the pipes were not properly secured, causing them to slip and collapse onto a two-wheeler and a four-wheeler trailing behind.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Two-wheeler: Two individuals were riding the bike when the steel pipes fell, trapping them underneath.
Four-wheeler: The car had five occupants. While the driver and front-seat passenger managed to escape, three passengers remain trapped inside.

Local authorities, including the Khopoli Police and emergency response teams, are facing significant delays in reaching the accident site due to heavy traffic congestion. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the full extent of casualties is yet to be confirmed.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are investigating whether the truck was overloaded or if the steel pipes were improperly fastened. Such incidents highlight the dangers of transporting heavy cargo without adequate safety measures, especially on high-speed expressways like the Mumbai-Pune route.

Traffic Advisory

Motorists are advised to avoid the Khopoli Ghat section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway until the rescue operation is complete. Alternate routes should be considered to prevent further delays.

This is a developing story, and more updates will follow as additional information becomes available.