In the early hours of Monday, a fatal accident occurred near the main gate of Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali East, Mumbai. Amit Agarwal, a 47-year-old resident of Borivali East, lost his life when his Maruti Ciaz collided head-on with a private bus on the Western Express Highway (WEH). The incident took place around 5 am, as reported by the Kasturba Marg police.
Details of the Incident
Eyewitness Anil Gurav, 35, provided a detailed account to the police. Gurav was traveling in a bus on the northbound lane of the highway when he noticed Agarwal’s car speeding down the southbound carriageway. Suddenly, the car veered over the divider and crashed into a private bus traveling in the opposite direction.
The bus driver attempted to avoid the collision by swerving to the right. However, due to the impact, the bus’s steering mechanism jammed, causing it to cross over the divider and come to a halt on the southbound lane with a damaged front tire.
Immediate Aftermath
Gurav recounted the harrowing scene: “I was very scared by this whole incident but went and looked at the car after getting off the bus. The driver was trapped inside and blood was streaming from his head.” Passersby promptly alerted the authorities. Emergency services rushed Agarwal to Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali, where medical professionals declared him dead on arrival. The police subsequently informed his father, Suresh Agarwal, who identified the body.
Legal Proceedings
Based on witness statements, including those from Gurav, the bus driver, and Agarwal’s family, the police have registered a case of death due to negligence against Amit Agarwal under sections 106 and 281 (dangerous driving) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Such cases are typically closed after the police submit the charge-sheet and evidence against the deceased in court.
Road Safety Concerns
This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to traffic regulations and maintaining safe driving practices, especially during early morning hours when visibility may be reduced, and fatigue can impair judgment. The Western Express Highway, a major arterial road in Mumbai, has witnessed several accidents in the past, highlighting the need for increased vigilance among drivers.
Community Response
Local residents and commuters have expressed their condolences to the Agarwal family. Many have called for enhanced safety measures on the WEH, such as improved lighting, better signage, and stricter enforcement of speed limits, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
The untimely demise of Amit Agarwal serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of high-speed driving and the unpredictable nature of road travel. Authorities urge all motorists to exercise caution, obey traffic laws, and remain alert to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
