Pune: A tragic accident on Handewadi Road, Satavnagar, Pune, resulted in the death of a motorcyclist, Pandit Fakira Patil, when a branch of a mango tree fell on him after being struck by a municipal garbage truck.
The incident, which occurred on August 8, 2024, at 8:45 AM in front of Ayush Medical, has led to charges being filed against the garbage truck driver and officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation's Garden Department.
Pandit Fakira Patil, 58, a resident of Adarsh Nagar, was delivering tiffin boxes on his motorcycle when he was fatally injured. The mango tree branch had bent down due to heavy rains, and despite the visible obstruction, the truck driver drove recklessly, striking the branch.
The branch subsequently fell onto Patil, who was riding behind the truck, causing severe injuries that led to his death.
The accident has highlighted concerns about road maintenance and safety measures in Pune. The deceased's wife, Geeta Pandit Patil, lodged a complaint at Wanawadi Police Station, criticizing the Municipal Corporation for its negligence.
She stated that poor road conditions, including potholes and encroaching tree branches, have led to numerous accidents and fatalities. She emphasized that if the Garden Department had addressed the issue of the obstructing tree branch in a timely manner, her husband would still be alive.
Following the incident, Wanawadi Police have filed charges against the truck driver for reckless driving and the responsible officials from the Garden Department for their failure to maintain road safety. Police Sub-Inspector Dhanaji Tone is leading the investigation.
