In a tragic incident on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway in Satara district, a biker was charred to death after his motorcycle collided with a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus on Wednesday evening. The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Swapnil Dubal, a resident of Karad. The accident occurred around 6:30pm near Asale village in Wai taluka.
Car driver under scanner
According to reports, a car and a motorcycle were traveling some distance apart when the car driver, focused on reaching a nearby CNG pump, suddenly braked without checking behind. The motorcycle rider, who was following the car, attempted to brake but was struck by an ST bus coming from behind. The impact caused the motorcycle to become wedged under the bus’s bumper, and both vehicles were dragged for about 100 to 150 feet.
This friction led to a fire that engulfed both the motorcycle and the bus, resulting in the biker's death. The incident has sparked widespread discussions about the car driver's sudden braking as the primary cause of the tragedy. CCTV footage confirmed the abrupt stop by the car, which triggered the fatal accident. As a result, social organizations and individuals from Vadoli Nileshwar and Karad Taluka are demanding the arrest of the car driver and calling for strict legal action against him.
Meanwhile, the Satara police have arrested the bus driver, Sambhaji Pawar, 40, in connection with the incident. The crash and the subsequent fire caused a massive traffic jam on the highway, with rescue operations hindered by onlookers gathering at the scene.
The intensity of the fire prevented rescuers from saving the two-wheeler and its rider. The flames from the burning ST bus were so severe that no one dared to approach, complicating rescue efforts. The fire also destroyed many passengers' belongings inside the bus, including important documents for those heading to police recruitment, causing significant distress.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the preparedness of district authorities and highway management in handling fire emergencies. Despite the proximity of the Anewadi toll gate to the accident site, no firefighting systems or emergency measures were available. The absence of an accessible helpline from the Highway Authority or Highway Police meant that only the Bhujan Police and local citizens were available to assist during the crisis, highlighting a critical gap in emergency response capabilities. The Bhujan police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
.jfif)
