Teacher Killed in Traffic Accident on Katraj-Kondhwa Road

A tragic accident occurred on the Katraj-Kondhwa Road in Pune on March 25, 2024, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old teacher, Lalita Prasad Kapadi. Reports indicate that her scooter skidded before she was struck by a truck around 07:30 AM.

Local residents have expressed concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of the road, which has been exacerbated by recent traffic diversions implemented to accommodate VIP movements in the area. According to Senior Inspector Kumar Ghadge of the Kondhwa police station, Kapadi was en route to her school in Mohammedwadi when the accident occurred.

“She was driving her scooter on the wrong side of the road to reach a nearby junction when the incident took place,” Ghadge explained. He clarified that there was no direct collision between the truck and the scooter. “We suspect that while driving the wrong way, her scooter skidded, causing her to fall directly in front of the truck’s rear wheel,” he added. Tragically, her legs were found beneath the vehicle.

Bystanders rushed Kapadi to a nearby hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries due to excessive bleeding. The incident has prompted further scrutiny of traffic conditions on the Katraj-Kondhwa stretch.

Local residents have voiced their frustrations regarding the recent traffic changes, stating that the diversions have made commutes significantly longer. One resident remarked, “We have to take long detours to reach our destinations.”

In light of this incident, Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil addressed the ongoing safety concerns. “The deceased drove her scooter in the wrong direction, which resulted in the accident. We are adopting measures to improve safety on a road that has been the site of multiple fatal accidents,” he stated.

The community continues to call for improved road conditions and more effective traffic management to prevent further tragedies.