Special Correspondent
Pune: A dramatic scene unfolded on Thursday afternoon on the Chakan-Shikrapur state highway when a speeding container truck caused widespread destruction, injuring 10 people and damaging more than 20 vehicles.
The chaos began around 1 p.m. in Chakan when the container truck collided with a two-wheeler carrying a woman and her five-year-old daughter. The young girl sustained severe injuries in the crash. As the Chakan police were alerted, they quickly gave chase, but the truck driver rammed into a police vehicle and continued speeding toward Shikrapur, evading capture.
The reckless driver damaged approximately 15 vehicles, including two-wheelers, cars, and goods carriers, in areas such as Pimple-Jagtap, Chaufula, and Shelpimpalgaon. In Chaufula, a ‘Chhota Hathi’ goods vehicle and a Swift car were severely damaged in the collision.
The chase, which saw around 30 motorcyclists joining the police effort to corner the driver, ended near Jategaon when the container was finally brought to a halt. Enraged locals attacked the driver before police arrived to prevent further harm. The driver was injured during the assault and taken into custody, receiving medical treatment.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivaji Pawar led the operation, with his team playing a key role in averting further injuries. A police officer also sustained injuries during the pursuit but is currently being treated in a medical facility. The driver has been booked for the incident, and an investigation is ongoing.
Local youths who participated in the chase were praised for their bravery. The group of young men on motorcycles risked their lives to help police stop the container truck, earning commendations from the community for their quick thinking and courage.
Following the truck’s capture, an angry mob began assaulting the driver, suspecting he might be under the influence of alcohol. However, prompt police intervention ensured that the driver’s life was saved. Blood samples were collected from the driver, Abdul Razak, an employee of Chetak Logistics in Gurugram, to determine if he was intoxicated.
Speaking to Pune Times Mirror, DCP Shivaji Pawar said, “After the driver hit a two-wheeler and continued his reckless driving, the Chakan police intercepted him. The driver caused significant damage to around 7-8 vehicles, injuring a 5-year-old girl and a police officer. He was finally stopped in the rural jurisdiction and arrested.”
In a separate incident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, another container truck heading toward Mumbai overturned due to brake failure. The driver and cleaner were injured, and traffic was disrupted until police used cranes to clear the overturned vehicle and restore normal traffic flow.
