Fatal Road Accident in Hinjawadi: 11-Year-Old Girl Loses Life, Mother Injured
A tragic road accident in Hinjawadi Phase II has left residents shocked and demanding stricter road safety measures. On Tuesday, an 11-year-old girl from Maan village lost her life, while her mother suffered serious injuries, after a cement mixer truck hit their scooter and sped away.
Police later arrested the truck driver involved in the incident. The accident has once again raised questions about heavy vehicle movement in Hinjawadi and the need for stricter enforcement.
Accident Details
The young victim, Pratyusha Borate, was a Class V student who lived with her family in Maan, near Hinjawadi. On the day of the accident, she was riding pillion on a scooter driven by her mother.
Her father, Santosh Borate, said that his wife and daughter had gone out to choose a Ganesh idol for the upcoming Ganesh festival. They had stopped by the roadside when a speeding cement mixer truck suddenly rammed into their scooter.
The impact was so severe that Pratyusha died on the spot. Her mother was rushed to a city hospital and is undergoing treatment for multiple injuries.
Witness Accounts
According to locals, the truck driver did not stop after the collision. Angered by the accident, several residents chased the vehicle, smashed its windscreen, and forced the driver to abandon it. He fled the scene but was later arrested by the Hinjawadi police under the Pimpri Chinchwad police jurisdiction.
The arrested driver has been identified as Farhan Munnu Shaikh, a 25-year-old from Bihar.
Police Action
Police have booked the accused under multiple sections, including:
| Offence | Relevant Section |
|---|---|
| Causing death by negligence | IPC Section 304A |
| Rash and negligent driving | IPC Section 279 |
| Failure to stop after an accident | IPC Section 134 (Motor Vehicles Act) |
Authorities confirmed that heavy vehicles are banned from entering Hinjawadi roads during peak hours — between 8 am to 12 noon, and 4 pm to 9 pm. The accident happened during the restricted period.
Local Demands for Road Safety
The accident has intensified public anger in Hinjawadi/Hinjewadi. Residents say such tragedies are becoming frequent because of poor enforcement and negligent driving.
“We want strict action against heavy vehicles that break the timing restrictions in Hinjawadi. These are not accidents anymore; they are the result of negligence and lack of control,” said one local resident.
He added that unless the authorities enforce traffic rules more strictly, more innocent lives will be lost.
Why Heavy Vehicles Pose a Risk in Hinjawadi
Hinjawadi is one of Pune’s busiest IT hubs, with thousands of vehicles passing through every day. The presence of large trucks during peak hours makes roads more dangerous for two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.
Common Risks
- Limited visibility for truck drivers in congested lanes
- Longer braking distance compared to smaller vehicles
- Sudden lane changes to avoid traffic
- Speeding to meet delivery schedules
Restrictions in Place
| Vehicle Type | Entry Ban Timings |
|---|---|
| Heavy Trucks | 8 am – 12 noon, 4 pm – 9 pm |
| Cement Mixers | Same as heavy trucks |
| Container Vehicles | Same as heavy trucks |
Despite these rules, enforcement is often weak, leading to repeated violations.
Past Accidents in Hinjawadi
The recent incident is not an isolated case. In the past few years, Hinjawadi has seen several accidents involving heavy vehicles, especially during restricted hours.
Some common causes include:
- Drivers ignoring speed limits
- Lack of traffic police presence at key junctions
- Poor road design in certain stretches
- Vehicles parking dangerously on busy roads
Residents say that unless there is continuous monitoring, such accidents will continue.
Resident Concerns and Suggestions
After the accident, local residents gathered at the site to protest. They have demanded:
- Stricter enforcement of heavy vehicle restrictions
- CCTV monitoring at key entry points in Hinjawadi
- Heavier fines for traffic violations
- Speed breakers and pedestrian crossings in accident-prone areas
- Permanent traffic police presence during peak hours
Emotional Impact on the Family
The Borate family is devastated. Speaking to reporters, Santosh Borate said, “My daughter had big dreams. We had only gone to choose a Ganesh idol for our home. Now she is gone forever.”
The incident has also left the community shaken. Friends and neighbors have been visiting the hospital and the family home to offer support.
The Larger Issue: Road Safety in Hinjawadi
Hinjawadi is home to lakhs of IT professionals, students, and local residents. With the rapid growth of the area, traffic congestion has become a daily problem. Accidents, especially involving heavy vehicles, have become more frequent.
Authorities have tried to regulate traffic, but lack of strict enforcement remains a major problem.
Possible Solutions
| Problem | Suggested Solution |
|---|---|
| Heavy vehicle entry during peak hours | Automated gates and strict fines |
| Lack of police at junctions | Deploy more traffic personnel |
| Speeding | Install speed cameras |
| Lack of awareness | Road safety campaigns |
What Needs to Change
The death of Pratyusha Borate is a grim reminder that road safety in Hinjawadi needs urgent attention. Authorities must:
- Ensure full enforcement of heavy vehicle restrictions
- Improve road infrastructure to handle high traffic
- Increase driver accountability through strict penalties
- Educate the public on road safety
To check more about Hinjewadi, Click Here.
I’m Priya Agarwal, and I write about everything related to Hinjewadi! From the latest news and events to hidden spots and local businesses, my articles are all about helping you explore and enjoy this vibrant area. Whether you live here or are just visiting, I aim to bring you useful, interesting, and up-to-date information about Hinjewadi. Stay tuned for more!
