Pune RTO Investigation Points to Driver Error in Fatal Bridge Accident
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has determined that the primary cause of the devastating Navale Bridge accident was the driver's inability to maintain control of the vehicle. The tragic incident, which occurred on November 13, 2025, resulted in the heartbreaking loss of eight lives, including five individuals traveling in a car and both the driver and cleaner of the involved bus.
CCTV Evidence Reveals Critical Details
According to a senior RTO official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the investigation thoroughly examined available evidence and ruled out mechanical failure as a contributing factor. "Our analysis of the Navale bridge accident confirmed that there was no mechanical fault present. The driver simply could not control the vehicle," the official stated, noting that the formal report had not yet been uploaded to the online dashboard.
The official emphasized that the vehicle was definitely traveling above the prescribed speed limit when it collided with cars ahead of it. The investigation team gathered crucial CCTV footage from two strategic locations that provided compelling evidence about the sequence of events.
"We obtained CCTV footage from the toll plaza showing the vehicle moving in its designated lane under control. The second footage captured the aftermath of the collision with vehicles engulfed in flames," the official explained. Analysis revealed that even after the initial impact, the vehicle continued moving at speeds exceeding 60 kmph, indicating that its pre-crash velocity was significantly higher than the legal limit.
Post-Accident Safety Measures Implemented
The catastrophic nature of the collision made it impossible to determine potential brake failures, as the front sections of both the truck and car were completely crushed and charred beyond forensic analysis.
In response to the tragedy, Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale confirmed that several safety initiatives have been immediately implemented. These include enhanced document verification procedures at the Khed Shivapur Toll Plaza and mandatory eye examinations for drivers to ensure proper vision capability during both daytime and nighttime operations.
Additionally, the Pune Traffic Police has taken decisive action by reducing the speed limit at the accident site from 60 kmph to 30 kmph, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future through stricter speed enforcement.
The Navale Bridge accident has sparked renewed discussions about road safety measures, driver accountability, and the importance of adhering to speed regulations on Pune's busy thoroughfares.
