Two dead, three hurt as car hits tree on Mumbai-Pune highway

Two people died and three others were injured after the car they were travelling in rammed into a tree and fell into a 20-foot deep gorge on the old Mumbai-Pune highway on Sunday.The incident took place near Bhokarpada, 39km from Mumbai, at 10.30pm.

Pravin Gaikwad, who was driving, has been booked under sections 304a (causing death by negligence); 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way); 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others); and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC); and section 184 (driving dangerously) of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act.

The victims have been identified as Sarvesh Mali, 22, a resident of Rasayani; and Vanudas Malkar, 40, a resident of Khalapur. Sandesh Lahane, Rajesh Purandawa and Gaikwad sustained injuries.

“The five people who were in the vehicle had gone to Chouk in Raigad, and were on their way back when the accident took place. Prima facie it appears that Gaikwad lost control of the wheel, causing the car to crash into a tree and fall into the gorge,” said Ajit Dhanjurne, assistant inspector, Panvel Taluka police station.

“All of them were taken to MGM Hospital in Kamothe and Gandhi Hospital in Panvel. However, two of them at MGM Hospital succumbed to their injuries,” Dhanjurne said.

“The injured persons are still under observation and we will record their statements once they are discharged,” said Sunil Karote, assistant inspector from Panvel Taluka police station. “The exact reason behind the accident is not known. We have found no trace of drink driving yet, but investigations are on.”