Mumbai-Pune Expressway Accident: Police Convoy Crash in Bhatan Tunnel Injures 6 Cops, 5 Bangladeshi Nationals
Chain Collision Occurs Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations; Injured Rushed to MGM Hospital
A major accident involving a police convoy escorting detained Bangladeshi nationals occurred inside the Bhatan Tunnel on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway early Wednesday morning, leaving six police personnel and five Bangladeshi nationals injured. The injured were promptly taken to MGM Hospital in Kamothe, where they are receiving treatment for minor injuries.
How the Accident Unfolded:
The police convoy, comprising three vans and eight cars, was transporting 40 Bangladeshi nationals from Mumbai to Pune when the collision took place. According to PSI Devidas Naik of the Palaspe Traffic Unit, the accident was triggered by a chain reaction after one of the police vehicles applied sudden brakes.
The situation worsened due to an ongoing rescue operation near the tunnel. A skidded trailer had earlier crashed into the tunnel wall, blocking two lanes. As highway traffic police attempted to tow the trailer, a tempo (small truck) collided with it, despite warnings to slow down.
The police convoy, approximately 800 meters away, was forced to brake abruptly while navigating through the single open lane, leading to a pile-up involving 3-4 vehicles. The impact resulted in injuries to six cops and five Bangladeshi detainees, though fortunately, none were critical.
भातान बोगद्यात कंटेनरमुळे घडलेल्या भीषण अपघातात पोलिसांच्या वाहनांसह सात ते आठ गाड्या एकमेकांवर आदळल्या. यात २० पेक्षा अधिक पोलीस आणि प्रवासी जखमी झाले असून, मुंबई पोलीसांनी पकडलेल्या घुसखोरांना पुण्याच्या दिशेने नेताना हा अपघात घडल्याचे समोर आले आहे.
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Senior Officials Respond:
Senior police officials, including the Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Zone 2, rushed to the scene to assess the situation. They later visited MGM Hospital to check on the injured. Authorities confirmed that the accident was caused by sudden braking amid congested traffic conditions.
Traffic Disruptions & Safety Concerns:
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, one of India’s busiest highways, witnessed significant delays following the incident. This accident highlights ongoing safety concerns on the expressway, particularly in tunnels where visibility and sudden stops can lead to multi-vehicle collisions.
