Pune: Mahalunge Residents Hold Candle March After 11-Year-Old Dies in Road Accident
Balewadi, 18th August 2026: Nearly 1,000 residents of Mahalunge gathered for a candlelight march on Tuesday evening to mourn the death of an 11-year-old boy in a road accident that residents have attributed to the poor condition of the road.
The protest was organised at the accident site near Durga Cafe, opposite Godrej Green Cove Society. The accident took place at around 7 pm on Monday, August 17. Residents assembled at the spot, lit candles and observed a moment of silence in memory of the child.
According to preliminary information, the boy was travelling with his father and sister on a two-wheeler to attend tuition classes. The motorcycle allegedly lost balance after hitting or encountering an uneven portion of the road. During the incident, an Eicher truck travelling behind the two-wheeler reportedly ran over the boy. He died at the spot.
The incident has renewed concerns over road safety in Mahalunge, with residents pointing to potholes and damaged stretches on several roads in the area. They said the deteriorating road conditions pose a serious risk to two-wheeler riders and have called for immediate intervention by the civic and administrative authorities.
Residents also raised questions over the absence of adequate safety measures at locations where accidents are reported frequently. They urged the authorities to repair damaged roads, improve traffic management and identify accident-prone stretches for immediate safety interventions.
The candle march was intended to highlight the road safety concerns and press for prompt action to prevent further loss of life. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, and further details are awaited.
