Pune Road Accident Latest Update: PM Modi Expresses Grief, Announces Ex Gratia for Victims

In a tragic road accident on the Jejuri-Morgaon road in Pune, nine people lost their lives on Wednesday evening, prompting condolences and aid from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. As per an official post by the PMO on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured.

PMO India stated: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a road accident on the Jejuri-Morgaon road in Pune, Maharashtra. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”

Accident Details: What Happened on the Jejuri-Morgaon Road?

According to local police reports, the accident occurred around 6:45 PM near a hotel on the Jejuri-Morgaon road. A speeding sedan carrying six passengers reportedly lost control and crashed into a stationary pickup truck parked outside the hotel.

The pickup truck was being unloaded at the time. The hotel owner and his staff were in the process of removing a refrigerator from the truck when the sedan rammed into them.

Tanaji Barade, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural, said:
“While the fridge was being taken out, a speeding car veered off the road and struck the pickup vehicle.”

Victims Identified: A Heartbreaking Loss

In total, nine people died in the collision. These included:

• The hotel owner
• Pickup truck driver
• Three hotel staff members assisting with the unloading
• Four passengers in the car, including:
  • A six-year-old boy
  • A woman

Two more passengers in the car – a woman and her daughter – sustained serious injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities are currently investigating what caused the sedan to lose control.

Investigation Underway

Police officials are actively probing the incident to determine whether speeding, mechanical failure, or driver negligence led to the fatal crash.

Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder of Road Safety

This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety awareness, strict enforcement of traffic rules, and cautious driving, especially on semi-urban and rural highways like the Jejuri-Morgaon route.