A brake failure on a trailer truck triggered a multi-vehicle crash on a busy highway in India Thursday evening, killing eight people and injuring at least 20 others. The crash occurred on the Pune-Bengaluru route between the Bhumkar and Navale bridges, a stretch known for heavy traffic and steep grades.
How the Crash Unfolded
According to witnesses, the truck was traveling downhill toward Mumbai when its brakes failed, causing it to collide with a series of vehicles ahead of it. One car became trapped between the out-of-control truck and another heavy vehicle, sustaining severe damage and catching fire. Five occupants of that vehicle, including a child, were killed. The truck’s driver and passenger also died in the crash.
A Difficult Rescue Effort
Emergency responders from Pune faced additional challenges at the scene because the vehicle that caught fire was CNG-powered, increasing the danger for rescue crews working to reach victims trapped in the wreckage. Survivors were transported to area hospitals as police worked to reroute traffic around the crash site for several hours.
Investigation and Aftermath
Local officials have acknowledged the severity of the crash and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Authorities continue to investigate what caused the truck’s brakes to fail and whether mechanical maintenance or road conditions played a contributing role. The highway has since reopened, though the incident has renewed scrutiny of safety conditions along that stretch of road.