Explained: How a truck triggered a 20-vehicle pile-up on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, leaving one dead and 16 injured

Mumbai Pune Expressway accident (Image: X)

One person was killed and 18 others injured after a speeding container trailer reportedly crashed into 18 to 20 vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Saturday afternoon.

The incident occurred near the Adoshi tunnel under the jurisdiction of Khopoli police station in Khalapur taluka of Raigad district, according to a police official quoted by PTI.

How did the accident happen?

The incident occurred near the Khandala tunnel around 1:45 pm. According to the highway police, a truck carrying vegetables lost control while descending the ghat section and rammed into a line of stationary vehicles that had slowed down due to congestion.

“The truck driver couldn’t brake in time. It seems the brakes failed or were ineffective on the slope, and he ploughed through multiple cars and a bus,” a senior police officer told PTI.

One killed, several injured

Among the injured were passengers in cars and taxis hit by the truck. A 35-year-old woman died on the spot. At least five of the 16 injured were reported to be in serious condition and were taken to nearby hospitals.

“No passenger in the bus was seriously injured,” the police added.

Panic at the scene

Videos shared on social media showed damaged cars strewn across the road, some with their roofs crushed. Passersby and other motorists were seen helping the injured out of vehicles.

“We heard a loud crashing sound and then saw people running. The truck just didn’t stop,” an eyewitness told a local news channel.

Emergency response and traffic jam

Police, rescue teams, and the highway authority rushed to the spot. Traffic remained blocked for over two hours as the wreckage was cleared.

The truck driver was taken into custody, and a case is being registered. Officials said preliminary investigation points to brake failure, but a mechanical inspection will confirm the cause.

Safety concerns on expressway
The incident has once again highlighted safety concerns along the ghat stretch of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, particularly regarding the movement of heavy vehicles.

Authorities said they will review current enforcement measures for speed, vehicle fitness, and lane discipline.

“Regular checks must be enforced, especially in high-risk sections. We will coordinate with transport officials to tighten controls,” an official with the highway patrol said.