A tragic hit-and-run incident on the Sion-Panvel highway in Mankhurd has left a 21-year-old tempo driver dead and five passengers injured. The driver of an unidentified dumper fled the scene after the collision, prompting a search by the police for the responsible party. The incident occurred as the dumper attempted to make a U-turn in the middle of the road, causing the tempo driver to crash into the vehicle.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place on the northbound stretch of the Sion-Panvel highway near the old forest check post in Mankhurd. Bhagwan Damu Kamble, a 58-year-old head constable attached to the Mankhurd police station, received a call from the control room alerting him to the accident and requesting police assistance. Kamble, along with other officers, quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation.
Upon speaking with witnesses, it was determined that the driver of the unidentified dumper had abruptly executed a U-turn in the middle of the highway, leading to the collision with the tempo. The tempo, bearing the registration number MH47BL 1327, was carrying five passengers who were on their way to the Vashi Market. The passengers, all vegetable vendors, sustained injuries in the crash and were promptly taken to Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar for treatment.
Tragically, the tempo driver, identified as Sonu Krishna Kumar Gaud, suffered severe injuries and was rushed to Sion Hospital for further medical attention. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Gaud succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The injured passengers, who sustained minor injuries, left the hospital without informing the authorities. They hailed from the Malad and Kandivali areas, according to a police official.
Police Investigation and Efforts to Apprehend the Driver
The dumper driver fled the scene with the vehicle following the collision, prompting an investigation by the Mankhurd police. A case has been registered against the driver for his role in the death of the tempo driver. Senior Inspector Mahadev Koli of the Mankhurd police station stated that efforts were underway to locate the fleeing driver, with footage from CCTV cameras installed along the highway being reviewed to track the dumper’s escape route.
The dumper driver was reported to have fled towards Vashi, prompting a search in that direction by law enforcement officials. It is hoped that the driver will be apprehended soon to face charges related to the fatal hit-and-run incident. The police are determined to bring the responsible party to justice and ensure that such tragic accidents are prevented in the future.
Impact on the Community and Calls for Road Safety Measures
The untimely death of Sonu Krishna Kumar Gaud, a young tempo driver, has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers posed by reckless driving and hit-and-run incidents. The injured passengers, who were simply going about their daily business as vegetable vendors, also serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety measures and responsible driving practices.
Local residents and community leaders have called for increased awareness of road safety and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The need for improved infrastructure, such as clearer signage and designated U-turn points, has also been emphasized as a means to reduce the risk of accidents on busy highways like the Sion-Panvel stretch in Mankhurd.
In the wake of this devastating incident, there is a renewed focus on the importance of vigilance and caution while driving, as well as the need for accountability for those who engage in reckless behavior on the roads. The loss of a young life and the injuries sustained by innocent passengers serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of negligence behind the wheel.
As the investigation into the hit-and-run incident continues, the community mourns the loss of Sonu Krishna Kumar Gaud and stands in solidarity with the injured passengers as they recover from their ordeal. The hope is that justice will be served, and measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Road safety must be a top priority for all motorists and authorities to ensure the well-being of everyone on the streets.
