Temporary Visibility Loss Due to Water Splash on Windscreen Triggers Fatal Mercedes Crash on Samruddhi Mahamarg Near Nashik
Shahapur, Maharashtra – In a devastating accident on the newly inaugurated Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway), Nashik-based entrepreneur Sunil Hekare lost his life after his speeding Mercedes car overturned near Shahapur. His wife and two children sustained severe injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.
Key Details of the Samruddhi Mahamarg Accident
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday (June 25) when Hekare, a prominent construction businessman, was returning from Mumbai to Nashik with his family in a Mercedes (MH 15, HM 7917). Reports indicate that the car was at high speed when it encountered waterlogging near the Igatpuri tunnel exit.
How the Accident Happened
- A speeding vehicle ahead splashed water onto Hekare’s windshield, momentarily blinding the driver.
- Due to loss of control, the Mercedes rammed through the divider and flipped multiple times before landing on the opposite lane.
- Despite all nine airbags deploying, Hekare suffered a fatal head injury and died on the spot.
- His wife and two children were severely injured but were rescued by locals and rushed to a nearby hospital.
Family Alleges Delayed Medical Help
Hekare’s brother, Anil Hekare, accused authorities of poor highway maintenance and delayed emergency response.
- “Waterlogging due to poor drainage caused the crash. Had medical aid arrived sooner, my brother might have survived,” he said.
Samruddhi Mahamarg: A Rising Accident Hotspot?
This is the second major accident on the expressway in recent weeks:
- Last week, a cruiser jeep-truck collision near Kasara-Shahapur killed two and injured seven.
- Locals and experts have raised concerns about safety measures on the ₹55,000-crore project, pointing to issues like lighting, signage, and waterlogging that may need improvement.
Authorities Under Scrutiny
With multiple accidents reported since its inauguration, concerns are rising over the expressway’s safety standards. Activists demand immediate audits to prevent further tragedies.
Conclusion
The death of Sunil Hekare highlights urgent safety concerns on the Samruddhi Mahamarg. As investigations continue, the government faces pressure to improve infrastructure and emergency response systems on the high-speed corridor.
