Fatal Bus Crash on Mumbai-Goa Highway Claims Two Lives, Leaves 38 Injured
A tragic accident occurred in the early hours of Friday when a private sleeper coach bus overturned on the Mumbai-Goa highway, resulting in the deaths of two passengers and injuries to 38 others. The incident took place in the Sukeli ghat section near Nagothane in Raigad district, disrupting traffic for approximately two hours.
Details of the Accident and Casualties
The accident happened around 2:45 AM when the bus, operated by Omkar Tours and Travels, was traveling from Mumbai to Goa. According to police reports, the driver, Hemant Patil (33), a resident of Kankavali in Sindhudurg district, was allegedly driving rashly and lost control on an upward gradient in the ghat section. The bus toppled sideways, trapping many passengers inside.
The deceased have been identified as Neelam Vibhute, a 40-year-old advocate from Panvel, and Naeem Shaikh, a 33-year-old resident of Kamothe. Vibhute was declared 'brought dead' at Roha Civil Hospital, while Shaikh succumbed to his injuries at Nagothane Civil Hospital. Vibhute was part of a 22-member group heading to Goa for a trip, and her husband Vaibhav (42) was among the injured.
Rescue Operations and Police Investigation
Local villagers rushed to the scene to assist police and NGO members in the rescue operation. All injured passengers, some critically, were transported to Nagothane Primary Health Centre, Roha sub-district hospital, and MGM Hospital in Kamothe for treatment.
API Sachin Kulkarni of Nagothane police station confirmed that the driver, Hemant Patil, who was also injured and admitted to Alibaug civil hospital, has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing death by negligence, rash or negligent driving, and acts endangering life or personal safety. Charges under the Motor Vehicle Acts for dangerous driving have also been filed.
Allegations of Reckless Driving
A police source revealed that a motorist following the bus had lodged a complaint via the Red Bus app, reporting the sleeper coach was being driven recklessly in the Sukeli ghat. Approximately 20 minutes later, the bus tipped over. Injured passengers stated they had urged the driver to slow down, but their requests were ignored, leading to the fatal crash.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on busy highways, particularly during night travel. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the accident.
