India: Deadly road accident on Pune-Satara highway (Maharashtra)

Event

At least 18 people were killed and 15 others injured on Tuesday, April 10, after a truck carrying 40 laborers hit a divider in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The accident happened on the Pune-Satara highway, near Khandala, in Pune district, 81 km (50 mi) east of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. Preliminary reports suggest the driver lost control over his vehicle.

Context

Deadly road accidents are common in India and are often caused by overloading, poor road conditions, and reckless driving. On April 9, 27 school children were killed when a school bus ferrying them home plunged into a deep gorge in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. On average, there are 400 deaths due to road accidents per day in India.

Advice

Foreign nationals visiting India are advised to be highly cautious while traveling by road; if possible, avoid traveling at night and only travel in well-maintained vehicles with seatbelts. For those choosing to ride motorbikes, always wear a helmet and proper footwear.