Pune: Helmet Saves Woman’s Life After Oil Spill Triggers Road Accident in Bhukum
Bhukum, 19th July 2025: A woman miraculously survived a horrific road accident in Bhukum (Mulshi taluka) on Friday evening, thanks to her protective helmet and timely help from local residents. The accident occurred near the Shell petrol pump on the Bhukum road after an oil spill caused multiple two-wheeler skids, injuring several riders.
Among the five accident victims was Vrushali Ram Gaikwad, a resident of Shindewadi, who was returning home from work around 7 PM on her two-wheeler. Her vehicle slipped due to the oil on the road, and as she tried to get up, a speeding tempo en route from Pune to Pirangut ran over her. The rear wheel of the tempo trapped her helmet, dragging her nearly 300 feet before locals managed to stop the vehicle.
Helmet Prevents Fatal Head Injury :
According to eyewitnesses and police, Vrushali’s life was saved only because she was wearing a helmet. While the helmet was crushed under the tempo’s rear wheel, it protected her head from serious injury. After being pulled out from under the vehicle, she sustained only minor injuries and was rushed to a private hospital by locals.
The driver of the tempo, identified as Mayur Rajesh Khandare of Bhukum, was arrested by Bavdhan Police following a complaint lodged by Nitin Jaysing Gaikwad. Police Inspector Anil Vibhute and Naik P.B. Kale are conducting further investigation.
In a display of extraordinary presence of mind, Vrushali reportedly warned onlookers not to move the vehicle forward or backward, as any movement could have resulted in the wheel crushing her head. Locals then carefully lifted the tempo to rescue her.
After the rescue, Vrushali called her father to assure him she was safe. “Don’t worry, I’m fine,” she told him. Later, she emotionally remarked, “If I hadn’t worn the helmet, I wouldn’t be alive today.”
