Pune: A drunk tempo driver caused a fatal accident in Pune, leading to the death of Geetanjali Amrale and severely injuring her husband, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Shrikant Amrale.
The incident occurred around 11 PM at Paud Phata, where the drunk driver, Ashish Pawar, lost control of his tempo and ran over the couple waiting at a signal.
Earlier in the evening, Pawar had already hit several vehicles at Karishma Chowk in Kothrud, injuring multiple people. Despite this, he continued driving recklessly towards Paud Phata, where his tempo struck the Amrale couple.
Geetanjali, who was riding a two-wheeler with her husband, succumbed to her injuries after the tempo ran over her. Shrikant was rushed to a private hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries.
Eyewitnesses and members of a nearby Ganeshotsav mandal were quick to respond, catching the drunk driver and handing him over to the police. The vehicle involved in the accident, a tempo with registration number MH 12 UM 7821, had hit a total of six vehicles, including a car, three two-wheelers, and an auto-rickshaw.
The local community is in shock and outrage, as the accident occurred during the crowded Ganesh festival celebrations. Residents of Kothrud expressed their anger over the incident, which took place around 9:30 PM amidst festival traffic.
Ashish Pawar, the 26-year-old driver, was arrested on the spot. According to the police, he was heavily intoxicated and had caused multiple accidents on his way from Karishma Chowk to Nal Stop. Police Sub-Inspector Swapnali Gaikwad from Alankar Police Station is leading the investigation into the case.
In addition to the Amarale couple, other victims of the accident included Madhuri Pravin Dahotre and her nephew Sahil Pithe, who were riding a two-wheeler. Both sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
This tragic accident has once again raised concerns about road safety and the dangers of drunk driving, especially during the festive season when streets are crowded with vehicles and pedestrians.
