Pune: Mixer Truck Overturns in Hinjawadi, Claims Lives of Two Students; Case Registered Against Driver
In a heart-wrenching tragedy in Hinjawadi, Pune, two young students lost their lives in a road accident involving a Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) truck. The incident occurred on Friday at 4:15 PM at Sakhare Patil Chowk on Maan Hinjawadi Road. The truck overturned while making a sharp turn, crushing a two-wheeler carrying Pranjali Laxman Yadav (22) and Ashlesha Narendra Gawande (22) beneath its weight.
The Pimpri Chinchwad Police have registered a case of death by negligence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita of 2023 and Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. The truck driver, Amol Waghmare (22), was arrested and produced in court but was denied police custody, leaving him eligible for bail.
Details of the Incident
Pranjali and Ashlesha, both Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) students from MIT College, were on their way when the truck approached at high speed, lost control, and toppled over. The students, residents of Balewadi’s Godrej Hill Retreat Housing Society, were pronounced dead on the spot.
The accident has sparked outrage among local residents and on social media. A viral video of the incident shows the devastating moment, highlighting the reckless driving that led to the tragedy.
Legal and Community Reactions
Parth Yadav, Pranjali’s 19-year-old brother, filed the complaint that led to the driver’s arrest. However, the Pune Court denied police custody, allowing the driver to potentially secure bail. If bail is not sought, he will be transferred to Yerawada Central Jail.
The investigation is being led by Police Sub Inspector Dattatraya Kale under the supervision of Senior Police Inspector Kanhaiya Thorat. The incident has reignited calls for stricter traffic enforcement and better road safety measures in Pune.
Families and Community Mourn
The deaths of Pranjali and Ashlesha have devastated their families, who are grappling with the immense loss. Both students had bright futures ahead, pursuing their studies in Pune far from their hometowns.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for safe driving practices and adherence to traffic regulations, especially in high-traffic areas like Hinjawadi.
