A tragic accident on the busy Samruddhi Expressway in Nashik district claimed the lives of two individuals on Thursday. The incident involved a chemical-laden tanker and a truck near Gonde, under the jurisdiction of the Wavi police station in Sinnar taluka.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The victims have been identified as Krushna Yadav (42), the tanker driver, and his cleaner, Antimlal Rawat (20). Both were residents of Madhya Pradesh and were en route to Nagpur when the accident occurred around 6 pm. According to Assistant Police Inspector Ganesh Shinde of Wavi police station, the tanker collided with a truck from behind with such force that both vehicles were thrown off the expressway.
The impact caused severe damage, and the driver's cabin of the tanker caught fire due to an electrical short circuit. Trapped inside and injured from the crash, Yadav and Rawat could not escape in time. Local residents from Gonde rushed to the scene, rescued the two men, and arranged for an ambulance to transport them to a nearby hospital. Tragically, doctors declared both of them dead upon arrival.
Rising Toll on Samruddhi Expressway
The truck driver, whose vehicle was struck from behind, managed to escape with only minor injuries. This fatal crash adds to a worrying trend on the Samruddhi Expressway. As vehicle traffic steadily increases, so do accidents and fatalities. Official data reveals a stark comparison: from January to November 2024, there were 127 accidents resulting in 114 deaths. By November 2025, these numbers had risen to 168 accidents and 138 deaths.
Authorities have identified speeding as a primary culprit. Additional Director General of Highway Traffic Police, Pravin Salunke, stated in December that apart from high speed, other major causes include tyre bursts and drivers falling asleep at the wheel on the plain, flat stretches of the road.
Police Action and Safety Measures
In response to the escalating danger, the State Highway Police have been pushing for enhanced safety infrastructure. Last year, they formally requested 15 traffic aid posts from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). These posts aim to serve a dual purpose: taking action against speeding motorists and providing immediate assistance to victims of road accidents.
The tragic deaths of Krushna Yadav and Antimlal Rawat underscore the urgent need for these and other measures to curb reckless driving and improve emergency response on one of Maharashtra's most critical expressways.
