Special Correspondent
Pune: On Saturday morning, between 7:15 and 7:30 AM, Radhika Sonawane, a 52-year-old waste picker, tragically died after being struck by a water tanker while heading out for her regular doorstep waste collection.
Radhika, as usual, left early for work and was walking along the left side of the road near Gokul Sweet Home at Kesnand Phata when the tanker, traveling from Pune to Nagar, struck her from behind, knocking her under the vehicle. The collision was severe, leaving Radhika with critical injuries.
She was rushed immediately to Imax Hospital, where doctors reported that she had sustained major injuries to both her legs and chest, along with abrasions covering much of her body. Despite medical efforts, Radhika never regained consciousness and was declared dead during treatment.
The driver of the tanker, identified as 20-year-old Ajay Dhotre, was apprehended at the accident scene and is currently in police custody.
Investigations revealed that the driver did not possess a valid driving license, and the tanker was not insured. The fact that the owner permitted an unlicensed driver to operate such a large vehicle and failed to insure the tanker is considered a severe act of negligence, making the owner equally responsible for the fatal accident.
Radhika, a diligent woman who worked hard to support herself and her family, lost her life due to the carelessness of both the driver and the tanker owner. Organizations such as SWaCH and Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat have strongly condemned the incident.
Radhika’s son-in-law, Sharad Bhakre, has formally filed a complaint against both the driver and the owner with the police.
