Pune: 43-Year-Old Man Dies After Speeding Water Tanker Runs Over Him in Hadapsar

Hadapsar, 18th April 2026: A 43-year-old man died in a tragic road accident in Hadapsar on Thursday afternoon, highlighting ongoing concerns over speeding tankers and dumpers in the city.

The deceased, Pratik Sheth, a resident of Rasta Peth, was travelling towards Uruli Kanchan when a speeding water tanker collided with his two-wheeler near Ravidarshan Chowk at around 1:45 pm. The impact threw him onto the road, and the tanker’s wheel ran over his head, resulting in his death on the spot.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the driver did not stop after the collision and instead tried to flee the scene. Local residents managed to intercept the vehicle; however, the driver reportedly escaped in the confusion after identifying himself as Avinash Jadhav.

The incident has triggered fresh concern among citizens, especially in the wake of recent protests in Kondhwa and Wanwadi over similar fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles.

Family members and friends of the deceased expressed deep grief. Nitin Bamboli, a close friend, told police that Sheth had been a part of his life since their school days and described the loss as devastating.

Questions have also been raised regarding the delay in providing medical assistance. Some locals claimed that quicker hospitalisation might have improved the chances of survival, although the severity of the injuries remains a critical factor.

Police have registered a case against the tanker driver and the vehicle owner, identified as Umesh Jadhav, on charges including causing death due to negligence. Investigating officer Sub-Inspector Ratnadeep Birajdar confirmed that both the driver and the owner have been arrested.

Preliminary findings indicate possible safety lapses. Officials stated that the tanker allegedly lacked essential safety measures, including adequate protective systems and a 360-degree camera, and was being driven at an unsafe speed.

The incident adds to a growing pattern in Pune, where reckless driving by heavy vehicles continues to raise serious public safety concerns and calls for stricter enforcement.