Pune: Car Overturns Twice in Violent Bopdev Ghat Crash; Drunk Driving Suspected
PUNE: In a chilling reminder of the perils of nighttime driving on Pune’s outskirts, a violent car accident occurred at the notorious Bopdev Ghat during the early hours of Monday. A white sedan, carrying four passengers, reportedly lost control on a sharp bend, struck the crash barriers, and overturned twice before coming to a halt on its roof.
The incident took place near the popular ‘Table Point’ area on the Kondhwa-Saswad road, a stretch that has seen a surge in weekend traffic and subsequent mishaps.
Two Critically Injured in Late-Night Wreck
According to the Kondhwa Police, the vehicle was heading towards Pune from the Saswad side when the driver lost control of the steering. The impact was so severe that the vehicle’s chassis was mangled, and the roof was completely crushed.
Local residents and passing motorists were the first to respond, pulling the trapped occupants from the wreckage. Two of the passengers have sustained severe head and spinal injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at a multi-specialty hospital in Kondhwa. The remaining two individuals are reported to be out of danger.
Police Suspect Influence of Alcohol
While the investigation is in its preliminary stages, senior officials from the Kondhwa Police Station have indicated that “drunk driving” is a primary line of inquiry.
“The speed at which the car was travelling suggests the driver failed to negotiate the gradient of the ghat. We have sent the driver for a mandatory medical examination to check for alcohol consumption,” a police official stated. Witnesses at the scene alleged that the occupants appeared disoriented immediately after the crash.
Bopdev Ghat: A Growing Death Trap?
The Bopdev Ghat section has long been a concern for Pune’s regional transport authorities. Despite recent repair works and the installation of additional reflectors, the combination of steep inclines, sharp turns, and poor visibility at night continues to claim victims.
Local activists have called for:
- Increased Night Patrolling: To curb speeding and drunk driving during weekend nights.
- Enhanced Lighting: Better illumination at critical “black spots” like Table Point.
- Stricter Checkpoints: Implementation of random breathalyzer tests at the entry and exit points of the ghat.
What’s Next?
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rash and negligent driving. The vehicle has been towed for a technical inspection to rule out any mechanical or brake failure.
