Pune Accident: Car Rams Into Iron Arches at NIBM Annexe–Mohammadwadi Stretch at 1 AM
Pune, 12th February 2026: A serious accident was narrowly avoided in the early hours of Wednesday after a speeding car crashed into iron arches erected near SM Ghule Circle on the NIBM Annexe–Mohammadwadi stretch.
The incident occurred around 1 am when a car, reportedly moving at high speed, struck the metal arches installed on the roadside for an upcoming event. The impact caused the structure to shake, alarming residents of nearby housing societies.
No injuries were reported. However, residents said the incident highlighted ongoing safety concerns on the stretch.
“This road becomes risky at night because vehicles tend to overspeed. Now additional structures have been placed near the circle, which increases the danger,” said a resident of Raheja Vista who reached the spot after hearing the crash.
Questions Raised Over Installation of Arches
Several residents alleged that the arches were installed without proper approvals.
Jaymala Dhankikar, Director of the NIBM Annexe Citizens Forum, objected to the installation. “These arches were put up without police permission. The circle has already been controversial, and now more displays are being added without a safety assessment. If an accident happens, accountability becomes unclear,” she said.
She added that residents have repeatedly asked for changes to the design of SM Ghule Circle, saying its current layout leads to confusion and speeding. “We have been requesting traffic calming measures for months. Instead, more roadside installations are coming up,” she said.
Past Fatal Accident Recalled
The incident has revived memories of a fatal crash on the same corridor near Raheja Vista in NIBM Annexe, Mohammadwadi.
In October last year, a 27-year-old milk delivery worker died after a car hit his two-wheeler in the early morning hours. He suffered serious head injuries and later died during treatment. The incident had led to demands from residents for stricter speed control and better enforcement on the newly developed road.
“After that incident, we expected changes such as speed breakers, better policing and monitoring. But we have not seen much improvement,” said another local resident.
Long-Standing Safety Issues
Residents say the NIBM Annexe–SM Ghule Circle stretch has seen several near-miss incidents, especially late at night and early in the morning when traffic is light and vehicles tend to overspeed.
They are now calling for the following measures:
Removal of any unauthorized arches and roadside displays
Review and possible redesign of the circle
Installation of speed breakers and rumble strips
Increased traffic police presence during night hours
A detailed road safety audit
Police officials said the incident is being examined. Details about the driver and further action are awaited.
Residents maintain that without timely corrective steps, the SM Ghule Circle area will continue to pose risks for commuters and pedestrians.
