Speeding ST bus rams into tanker on Mumbai-Goa highway, 12 injured

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At least a dozen people were injured after the State Transport (ST) bus they were in rammed into a tanker on the Mumbai-Goa highway on Friday.

The incident occurred around 3 am near on NH 66 near Dolvi village in Pen taluka. According to reports, the ST bus was travelling from Guhagar towards Mumbai while the tanker was enroute Mumbai after transporting chemicals at Nagothane. When the tanker slowed down to cross the speed breaker, the speeding ST bus failed to stop in time and ended up rear-ending the tanker.

After the accident, the bus driver, Pradeep Gaikwad (33), abandoned the bus and fled the spot. However, the Ratnagiri resident later surrendered at the Wadkhal police station, where he was charged under sections 279, 337, 338 of the Indian Penal Code and 184 and 134 of the Motor Vehicle Act.

Following the accident, highway police reached the spot and arranged the transport for the injured passengers. Due to the non-availability of ambulances, private vehicles were tasked with the job of transporting the injured to the district hospital in Pen and Alibaug. Some were also admitted to MGM Hospital in Kamothe.

Out of the 12 people who were reportedly injured, two have been identified as Prabhakar Bane (41) and Dattaram Bargude (40). The identities of the remaining injured is still being ascertained.