Pune: Container Falls from Bridge in Bhigwan, Driver Dead on the Spot
Indapur, 15th March 2025: A container driver lost his life after his vehicle fell from a bridge at Madanwadi Chowk in Bhigwan on the Pune-Solapur National Highway. The accident occurred early this morning around 6:30 AM, when the container, traveling from Solapur to Pune, went out of control and plunged 20 feet onto the service road below.
The impact of the crash completely shattered the container, killing the driver Shravan Kumar Bhagwati Prasad Yadav (37), a Mumbai resident originally from Uttar Pradesh, on the spot.
Assistant Police Inspector Mahangade of Bhigwan Police Station immediately dispatched a rescue team to the scene. However, by the time they retrieved the trapped driver, he had already succumbed to his injuries.
Fortunately, despite the busy location, the early morning timing meant that traffic was light, preventing a larger catastrophe.
The Pune-Solapur National Highway has long been plagued by dangerous conditions, with numerous slopes and high-speed zones between Bhigwan and Indapur. The stretch near the Ujani watershed area is particularly risky, as high-speed vehicles often lead to severe accidents.
Additionally, the dumping of waste from chicken centers near Gagargaon, Palasdev, and Kalewadi has worsened road conditions. Large heaps of garbage attract stray dogs, increasing the risk of collisions. Despite constant police patrolling and a traffic aid centre at Dalaj, speeding violations are only captured on cameras in Bhargaon, with little on-ground enforcement.
The ongoing road reconstruction near Indapur has further disrupted traffic, with delays stretching over several months. Despite the four-lane expansion, several junctions remain incomplete, increasing the risk of accidents. Kalewadi Junction, in particular, has been flagged as a high-risk spot.
Passengers and local commuters have urged the National Highway Administration to take immediate action for road maintenance, improved traffic management, and stricter speed regulation to prevent future tragedies.
