Updated on: Nov 13, 2025 | Pune

A horrific accident on the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway near Pune claimed seven lives and left several others injured on Thursday evening when a car was crushed between two container trucks, both of which caught fire after the collision. The incident occurred near the Navale Bridge, a busy stretch known for heavy vehicular movement and frequent mishaps.

Tragic Collision on Pune Highway

According to officials, the accident took place when one of the container trucks lost control and rammed into multiple vehicles near Navale Bridge. The impact led to a chain reaction involving several cars and trucks. One car, trapped between two heavy vehicles, was completely crushed and soon engulfed in flames.

Initial reports from the Pune Police confirmed that seven people were killed and eight to ten others sustained injuriesin the collision. The injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment.

“As per preliminary information, five people had died on the spot, and a few others succumbed to injuries later. Around eight to ten people have been injured. The injured were quickly shifted to the hospital for emergency care,” a police officer told PTI.

Fire and Chaos at the Scene

Videos of the accident circulated widely on social media, showing the burning car completely engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising into the evening sky. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with several vehicles halted on the bridge and people attempting to pull out the injured before the fire spread.

One witness said that the fire spread quickly due to the fuel leakage from one of the trucks. “There was a loud sound, and within seconds, the car was on fire. People tried to help, but the flames were too strong,” he said.

Police Begin Investigation

Authorities have launched a probe to determine the exact cause of the accident. Initial indications suggest that speeding or brake failure could have caused the container truck to lose control. “We are investigating how the accident happened,” a police official said. “Our immediate focus is on ensuring that all injured persons receive timely medical care.”

Fire tenders and rescue teams from Pune Fire Brigade and local police rushed to the scene to control the blaze and clear the traffic congestion caused by the accident. The fire was eventually brought under control after nearly an hour of effort.

Recurring Accidents on Navale Bridge

The Navale Bridge stretch of the Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway has been a frequent accident spot over the years due to its steep gradient and heavy traffic movement. Residents and commuters have long complained about the dangerous conditions on this stretch, urging authorities to enhance safety measures, install speed-regulating systems, and improve road design.

Earlier, in 2022 and 2023, multiple accidents had been reported on the same bridge, leading to several deaths and injuries. Despite periodic police drives and awareness campaigns, speeding and reckless driving continue to be major causes of fatalities in the area.

Authorities Urge Caution

Following Thursday’s tragedy, officials renewed appeals for motorists to observe speed limits and maintain safe distances between vehicles, especially on busy highways and accident-prone zones like Navale Bridge.

Traffic police have also been directed to conduct detailed inspections of container trucks and heavy vehicles, focusing on braking systems, load capacity, and driver alertness to prevent similar accidents in the future.

As investigations continue, the accident has once again highlighted the urgent need for better highway safety infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent such devastating incidents on India’s highways.