Manchar Accident: Speeding Bus Claims Lives of Three Friends on Highway

Pune: Three young friends lost their lives when a speeding bus rammed into their motorcycle on the old Pune-Nashik National Highway near Manchar.

The tragic incident took place near Shevalwadi village in the jurisdiction of Ambegaon Taluka, close to the Shravani Hotel, around 1:30 am on September 7.

The victims, identified as Pratik Tukaram Gare (21), Tejas Maruti Ghode (21), and Karan Dnyaneshwar Dhenagle (18), were on their way to Pune to participate in Ganeshotsav celebrations when the fatal accident occurred.

According to the Manchar police, the three friends were traveling on a motorcycle, heading towards Pune after crossing Manchar. A Rajwadi Travels bus, driven by Rajeshkumar Bholuram Gujar from Rajasthan, was reportedly speeding when it struck the motorcycle from behind. The impact of the collision was so severe that all three young men died on the spot.

After the accident, the bus driver fled the scene, but his escape was short-lived. The loud noise from the crash drew the attention of local residents, who quickly rushed to the location. Displaying commendable presence of mind and courage, the locals pursued the fleeing driver and managed to apprehend him.

They handed him over to the police officers who arrived shortly after, including Avinash Dalvi, Vinod Jambhale, Pranav Ukirde, and Yashwant Yadav.

A case has been filed against the bus driver at the Manchar police station under relevant sections for causing the accident and fleeing the scene.

Statements from witnesses and CCTV footage from the vicinity are being analyzed to gather more information about the circumstances leading up to the accident.

Former Sarpanch of Manchar, Datta Ganjale said, “The death of the three young men in the accident near Manchar is tragic. Police must take immediate measures to prevent such accidents in the future. More than 50 private buses transporting passengers travel daily on the Pune-Nashik highway at night.

Speed limits are not adhered to, which has led to an increasing number of accidents involving private buses on this route. The police patrol teams on duty at night should monitor the speed limits of buses and other vehicles and take preventive action.”