Three people were killed and two vehicles—including a police jeep and a scooter—were left severely damaged after a speeding passenger bus drove through a crowded market near the District Hospital in Mangon around 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
The incident occurred when a private bus, travelling at an alarming speed, rammed into pedestrians and vehicles in the busy commercial zone. CCTV footage retrieved from the vicinity confirmed the reckless manner in which the bus was driven, police said. Authorities have registered a case under Sections 106(1), 281, and 125(A) and (B) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 184 and 134 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
“The bus was being driven without any concern for traffic or safety,” said Senior Inspector Nivrutti Borhade, who is leading the investigation. “Though there were five passengers onboard, they escaped unhurt. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene, but we later managed to apprehend him.”
The deceased have been identified as Vaman Hari Pawar (65) of Khandad, Taluka Mangon, and husband-wife duo Dinesh Balkrishna Shelar (55) and Deepali Dinesh Shelar (50) of Pachole, Mangon. All three victims were locals and had been out shopping when the accident occurred.
Investigations have further revealed that the bus was driven by an unlicensed operator. “He was a temporary substitute, meant to be relieved at Mangon before the bus continued its journey to Borivali,” said an official. The bus had originally departed from Mhasla.
The complaint in the case was filed by Prakash Balkrishna Ubhare (45), a fish vendor whose two-wheeler (MH 06 CA 7970) was damaged during the collision. Additionally, a police vehicle (MH 06 CD 5748), which was transporting convicts for medical check-ups, also sustained damage. “It was a close shave—moments before the crash, the police team and convicts had entered the hospital,” added the officer.
