Pune: Car Gets Crushed Between Two Trucks on Fire on Navale Bridge; 8 Killed, 13 Injured
Pune, November 13, 2025: A tragic accident on Navale Bridge on the Pune-Bengaluru highway claimed eight lives and left thirteen people injured on Thursday evening. A Mumbai-bound trailer truck lost control on the Bhumkar-Navale Bridge stretch and ploughed through multiple vehicles, triggering a deadly chain reaction.
How the Accident Happened
According to Pune police, the heavy vehicle dragged a car for several metres before crashing into another truck. All three vehicles caught fire. Five passengers in the car, including a three-year-old girl, along with the truck driver and cleaner, died on the spot. Another victim died later in hospital.
The victims included Swati Navalkar (37), Dattatreya Dabhade (58), Shanta Dabhade (54) from Dhayari Phata, and their family friend’s daughter Mokshita Reddy (3). The car driver, Dhananjay Koli (30), also lost his life. The eighth victim, Rohit Kadam (25), succumbed to injuries during treatment.
Horrific Accident on Pune-Bengaluru Highway Near Navale Bridge, one more CCTV pic.twitter.com/4EUy1kyf2t
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Pune famous accident bridge Navle bridge accident #Pune #Navale pic.twitter.com/whuOPcvGAX
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Rescue Operations and Police Actions
Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar said the impact was so severe that the car was sandwiched between two trucks, causing an intense blaze. Firefighters took nearly two hours to retrieve the bodies from the mangled remains. About 56 firemen and multiple fire tenders were deployed.
Vehicles heading towards Mumbai faced long delays as traffic was diverted to alternate routes, including the roads leading to the Hinjawadi IT hub.
Separate forensic teams have been formed for DNA sampling and coordination with hospitals for autopsy procedures. The trailer truck was carrying iron beads, while the second truck was loaded with plastic beads. Fuel leakage added to the intensity of the fire.
Horrific accident near Navale Bridge in Pune, Maharashtra
— Shraddha (슈라다) (@HuhVsWorld) November 13, 2025
the container’s brakes failed, crashing into 20 to 22 vehicles.
7 people dead and 15 seriously injured; more than 5 burnt alive. pic.twitter.com/7ncuCFimzH
Government Response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the Navale Bridge accident extremely painful and announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for each of the families who lost their loved ones. He expressed condolences on social media and assured full support for the investigation.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local resident Sarang Navale, who witnessed the crash, said he heard a loud noise before seeing a truck dragging a car at high speed. Within seconds, an explosion took place and all three vehicles were engulfed in flames.
Police teams are also trying to trace the vehicle owner and verify registration details. RTO officials reached the spot soon after the incident.
