Four killed in car-tanker crash on expressway

Mumbai: A speeding car rammed into a tanker on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, killing four persons of a family who were returning from a marriage ceremony at Sangli. Two others were grievously injured in the accident, which took place near Rasayani in Raigad in the early hours of Friday.

The driver of the ill-fated car was identified as Akshay Kokare, who lost control while passing Panchsheel village and rammed into the tanker ahead from the rear side, killing himself and three female relatives who were travelling with him at around 5 am.

Villagers and passers-by rushed the victims to MGM Hospital at Panvel where the four were declared dead. Two other occupants of the car suffered grievous injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. The highway police and Delta Force, which is a specialised unit deployed on the Expressway to help the local police check crime and curb accidents, were part of the rescue operation.

“The deceased persons were identified as Mr Kokare, Savita Mote, Rani Kharje and her daughter Ria. The injured include Shobha Pukale, who is on ventilator and battling for life,” said a police officer.

The preliminary probe revealed that Kokare was a professional driver with the transport company to which the car belonged. The dead bodies have been handed over to the family for conducting the last rites. An accidental death report (ADR) has been filed in connection with the incident and further probe is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.