Fiery Pune Crash: 8 Dead, 13 Injured as Car Sandwiched Between Two Trucks Explodes; Highway Left Strewn With Burnt Wreckage

Introduction

Pune
A devastating accident on the Pune–Solapur Highway turned deadly when a speeding car was crushed between two trucks and exploded, killing eight people and injuring at least 13 others. The violent impact led to a massive fire that engulfed the vehicles, leaving the road covered in twisted metal and charred remains.

The crash has been described as one of the most horrific in recent months, with witnesses saying the explosion was so powerful that flames shot several feet into the air within seconds.

How the Tragic Crash Happened

According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred early in the morning when traffic was moderate. A small car, traveling at considerable speed, attempted to overtake a truck. At the same moment, another heavy vehicle approached from behind.

In the span of seconds:

• The car got sandwiched between the two trucks
• A tanker truck behind failed to slow down on time
• The impact caused the fuel tank to rupture
• A fireball erupted, engulfing the car instantly

The explosion triggered panic among nearby commuters, many of whom abandoned their vehicles and ran for safety.

Highway Turns Into a Scene of Destruction

When police and emergency services arrived, they found:

• Burnt wreckage scattered across the highway
• Two trucks partially melted from the heat
• The car almost completely destroyed
• Smoke billowing across both sides of the road
• Several injured people lying on the roadside waiting for help

Firefighters took nearly 40 minutes to bring the blaze under control, as flames repeatedly reignited due to fuel spillage.

Traffic on the highway came to a standstill for more than two hours as rescue teams worked to clear the debris.

Victims Include Commuters Traveling to Work and Students

Among the deceased were daily commuters and two college students travelling to Pune for classes. Several truck workers were also injured, some with severe burns.

Doctors at a nearby hospital reported that:

• Some victims suffered 60–80% burn injuries
• Others had fractures and internal trauma
• Three injured persons are in critical condition

Authorities are still verifying the identities of those who died, as some bodies were severely burnt.

Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Moments of Panic

Eyewitnesses described the crash as a nightmare unfolding in front of them.
One commuter said he heard a loud blast “like a cylinder explosion” and saw vehicles behind him reverse quickly to avoid the smoke and flames.

Another driver said:

“The car disappeared in the fire instantly. We couldn’t go near it because the heat was unbearable.”

Such testimonies highlight the suddenness and intensity of the crash.

Police Begin Investigation; Speed & Negligence Suspected

Police have begun a detailed investigation. Early findings point to:

• Overspeeding
• Tailgating by the second truck
• Possible mechanical failure
• Lack of lane discipline on the highway

Authorities are also checking CCTV footage from nearby toll plazas and petrol pumps to determine the sequence of events.

Officials say charges of negligence, rash driving, and endangering life may be filed after the report is completed.

Safety Concerns Raised Again on Maharashtra Highways

The tragic accident has revived questions about safety on state highways, with multiple incidents in recent months involving heavy vehicles and speeding cars.
Local residents say that the stretch where the accident occurred is known for:

• Poor lighting
• Frequent speeding
• Sharp turns without warnings

Road safety experts have urged authorities to introduce stricter checks on heavy vehicles, especially during early morning hours.

Conclusion

The fiery crash on the Pune–Solapur Highway has left families devastated and once again exposed the urgent need for better road safety enforcement in Maharashtra. With eight lives lost and many more injured, authorities are now under pressure to ensure such horrific accidents do not repeat.

The investigation continues, and more details are expected in the coming hours.