What Caused the Massive 25-Vehicle Pile-Up on Mumbai-Pune Expressway?

A major accident involving 25 vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Saturday afternoon claimed the life of a 58-year-old woman and left 18 others injured, after a container trailer reportedly suffered brake failure near the Adoshi tunnel under Khopoli police station limits.

The deceased, identified as Anita Sahadev Ekhande from Padoli village in Maharashtra’s Dharashiv district, was traveling with her family in an SUV when the trailer, descending from Pune toward Mumbai, lost control and crashed into multiple vehicles.

What Caused the Crash?

According to police, the accident occurred on a steep downhill stretch when the trailer’s brakes failed, resulting in the driver losing control. Seven vehicles were severely damaged, while the pile-up affected over two dozen vehicles in total.

“The trailer collided with multiple vehicles and dragged several of them for almost 3.5 km due to the force of the impact,” said Raigad Superintendent of Police Anchal Dalal. “Preliminary findings suggest brake failure as the cause. The driver tested negative for alcohol.”

The 29-year-old trailer driver, Rajeshkumar Ramsumer Patel, has been arrested, and a case has been registered. Investigators are now examining possible mechanical failure.

Eyewitnesses and Rescue Efforts

Volunteers from the HELP Foundation assisted rescue teams on site. Bhakti Sathelkar, one of the volunteers, said a 17-seater tempo traveller bore the brunt of the crash, with most of the injuries reported from that vehicle.

Injuries and Medical Condition

Of the 18 injured, 17 were admitted to MGM Hospital in Kamothe, while one was taken to a private hospital. Dr. Kuldeep Raj Salgotra, Director of MGM Hospital, confirmed the arrival of the patients, the first of whom reached the facility at 3 PM.

“One patient is in critical condition and on ventilator support due to severe head trauma. Another is serious with a cervical spine fracture,” he said. Other injuries include multiple fractures — pelvic, collar bone, and limb injuries. Among the injured are 15 women, two men, and a 9-year-old child.

Authorities are continuing their investigation while urging drivers to exercise caution on the downhill stretch of the expressway known for frequent accidents.