Mumbai-Pune Expressway Crash in Bhatan Tunnel Injures 11, Including 6 Cops and 5 Bangladeshi Nationals
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Crash in Bhatan Tunnel Injures 11, Including 6 Cops and 5 Bangladeshi Nationals
Chain Collision Involving Police Convoy Amid Rescue Operation Prompts Fresh Concerns Over Tunnel Safety
Pune, June 18, 2025 – A major chain collision occurred early Wednesday morning inside the Bhatan Tunnel on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, injuring 11 people including six police personnel and five Bangladeshi nationals. The crash took place during a police convoy operation escorting detained foreign nationals from Mumbai to Pune.
The injured were rushed to MGM Hospital in Kamothe and are reported to have sustained non-critical injuries.
How the Accident Happened
According to Palaspe Traffic Unit PSI Devidas Naik, the convoy comprising three vans and eight cars transporting 40 Bangladeshi nationals was traveling through the Bhatan Tunnel when one police vehicle braked suddenly. This led to a chain reaction and a pile-up of 3-4 vehicles.
Compounding the situation was an earlier accident involving a trailer that had skidded and crashed into the tunnel wall, blocking two of the three lanes. While rescue teams were towing the damaged trailer, a tempo collided with it despite visible warning signs and personnel managing traffic.
The police convoy, about 800 meters behind, had to suddenly slow down to navigate the narrow lane, causing the multi-vehicle collision.
Medical Response & Injured Persons
Six police officers and five Bangladeshi detainees were injured. They were immediately shifted to MGM Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. No life-threatening injuries have been reported.
Senior Police Officials on Site
Senior officials, including the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2), visited the accident site and later checked on the injured at the hospital. Officials confirmed the accident was due to sudden braking in congested traffic under restricted tunnel conditions.
Traffic Impact & Safety Concerns
The accident led to major traffic delays on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, especially in the Bhatan Tunnel section.
This incident once again underscores critical safety challenges in tunnel sections of the expressway, where limited visibility, narrow lanes, and high-speed traffic converge dangerously.
