Pune: In a major accident of two cars, seven people died while several others sustained severe injuries near Karla phata on the old Mumbai-Pune Highway.

The head-on collision took place on Sunday afternoon at Karla phata, about 8 KM from Lonavala. The accident led to traffic jam on the highway.

As per information given by the Lonavala rural police station officials, the number of casualties may increase. 

A Santro (MH12EX1682) was going towards Pune, while a Swift was going towards Mumbai. Due to weekend there was heavy rush on the highway and the problem was compounded by heavy rains in the area. The driver of the Swift car lost balance over the wheels and the car jumped divider before colliding head-on with the Santro  coming from opposite direction. 

They occupants were taken to a nearby hospital where seven of them were declared dead on arrival, while one of them is undergoing treatment.