Pothole on Pune-Solapur Highway Leaves 26-Year-Old Injured, Civic Contractor Booked
Loni Kalbhor, 18th August 2025: The Loni Kalbhor police have filed a case against a civic road contractor after a 26-year-old man sustained serious injuries when his scooter hit a dug-up patch on the Pune–Solapur highway near Kawadipet toll plaza around midnight on August 15.
The injured rider has been identified as Aditya Atole, a casual worker from Phursungi. He was riding home with his friend, Vedant Sawant (17), who was seated pillion. Sawant, employed at a paan stall, escaped without injuries.
According to police, the accident occurred because a section of the road had been dug up by the contractor but was left without proper warning boards, safety barricades, or adequate lighting. This created a hidden pothole that led to the crash.
Sub-Inspector Sarjerao Bobade of Loni Kalbhor police said, “The victim suffered a fractured chin and was immediately admitted to a private hospital, where doctors performed surgery. His face had severe swelling following the impact.”
Explaining how the incident unfolded, Bobade added, “Atole and his friend were heading home after work when their scooter hit the unmarked pothole. The vehicle lost balance, throwing Atole forward. He landed heavily on his chin, which caused the fracture.”
Police said the contractor responsible for the road work has been identified and instructed to appear at the police station within the next two days for his statement. A case has been registered under relevant sections for negligence and endangering human life.
This is not an isolated incident. In August 2021, a 52-year-old woman lost her life in Kondhwa’s Mithanagar area when her two-wheeler skidded after hitting a pothole, highlighting the recurring issue of poor road safety in Pune.
