Lonavala: A devastating multi-vehicle accident occurred Saturday afternoon near the entrance of a tunnel on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, close to the popular Shree Datta Snacks outlet after the Lonavala-Khandala Ghat. The incident, triggered by a speeding container truck that reportedly lost its brakes, led to a chain-reaction crash involving nearly 20 vehicles.
According to preliminary reports, the container rammed into a smaller vehicle near the food mall, causing multiple cars, buses, and commercial vehicles to collide in succession. Eyewitnesses described the moment as “utter chaos,” with vehicles crashing into one another amid loud screams and screeching tires.
One person has tragically lost their life, while at least 16 others have been injured—some critically. The impact was so severe that three cars were left completely mangled, and several others were extensively damaged.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, one of India’s busiest highways, was brought to a standstill as traffic backed up for nearly five kilometers. Emergency responders, including highway patrol, ambulances, and fire services, were rushed to the scene. Police worked to extract victims from crushed vehicles, while others were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Traffic authorities diverted vehicles to alternate routes to clear the jam and avoid further congestion. It took hours to tow away the damaged vehicles and restore partial traffic flow.
The incident has once again raised critical questions about highway safety, particularly in the Ghat section where steep gradients and sharp turns require cautious driving. Locals and commuters have repeatedly urged for stricter monitoring of heavy vehicles, better emergency infrastructure, and frequent mechanical inspections to prevent such disasters.
A full-scale investigation has been launched. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from toll booths and nearby establishments and are recording witness statements to determine the exact sequence of events.
