Eleven people were killed and two others critically injured when a van collided head-on with a speeding cement mixer on a bridge in Maharashtra’s Thane district on Monday. The tragic accident occurred around 10:45 am on the Raita bridge in Govili village of Murbad, according to an official from the district rural police. The van, which was travelling from Kalyan to Murbad, crashed into the oncoming cement mixer.
Details of the Collision
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that the van, identified as a Maruti Eeco operating as a shared passenger vehicle, was carrying 12 occupants at the time of the collision. Preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle was overcrowded, exceeding its authorised capacity of six passengers. The impact of the head-on collision was severe, completely mangling the van and resulting in multiple fatalities. The exact cause of the accident is under investigation, with speed being a primary factor being examined. According to police reports, the collision happened around 11:30 am on the Raita bridge.
Victims and Rescue Efforts
Of the 11 deceased, eight were men and three were women. As of Monday evening, six victims had been identified, with efforts underway to identify the remaining five. The two injured individuals were immediately rushed to the central hospital at Ulhasnagar for treatment, where their condition was described as critical. Local villagers were the first to reach the accident site and began rescue operations, alerting the police and emergency services. The Titwala police have registered a case and are conducting further investigations into the incident. The damaged vehicles were cleared from the road, restoring traffic flow on the Kalyan–Ahilyanagar route after a few hours of disruption.
Official Response and Safety Concerns
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his deep grief over the incident, calling it extremely tragic and offering condolences to the families of the victims. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik also conveyed his condolences, stating that the incident had cast a pall of grief across the state. Authorities have highlighted concerns over overloading in passenger vehicles and the state’s Motor Transport Department’s ongoing actions against illegal passenger transport. Citizens are urged to avoid travelling in overcrowded vehicles and to prioritise safety. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety measures and adherence to traffic regulations.
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