Four dead as trailer hits multiple vehicles on Mumbai-Pune Expressway
A major accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Khopoli left four dead and over 15 injured after a trailer with failed brakes rammed into 20 vehicles. The crash caused a 5-km-long traffic jam as weekend travelers were heading back from Lonavala.
Mumbai: A major accident took place on Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Khopoli on Saturday, leading to the death of four people and injuries to more than 15 others. The accident took place when the brakes of a large trailer failed while coming down the Lonavala-Khandala Ghat section towards Mumbai.
The trailer lost control and crashed into around 20 vehicles ahead of it, including cars and trucks. The collision was so powerful that three vehicles were completely crushed, while many others were badly damaged. The accident happened between the newly constructed tunnel and the Foodmall Hotel.
Due to the crash, a massive traffic jam occurred on the expressway. Vehicles were stuck for nearly 5 kilometers, especially as it was the weekend and traffic was already heavy with people travelling to or returning from Lonavala.
According to police, more than two lakh vehicles use this expressway every day, and weekend traffic is usually heavier due to tourists heading out to enjoy the monsoon and waterfalls.
After the accident, Khopoli police and local rescue teams quickly reached the spot. Injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals. Police are now working to clear the expressway and are making temporary changes to the traffic system to help stranded commuters reach their destinations.