Watch: Tin Sheets From Pune Metro Site Crash Onto Old Mumbai-Pune Highway Amid Strong Winds
Strong winds during unseasonal weather in Pimpri-Chinchwad triggered panic after large metal sheets from an under-construction Pune Metro site fell onto the busy old Mumbai-Pune highway. A two-wheeler rider reportedly had a narrow escape, while Maha-Metro has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
A major safety scare unfolded in Pimpri-Chinchwad after large metal sheets attached to a Pune Metro construction site were blown away by strong winds and crashed onto the busy old Mumbai-Pune highway.
The incident occurred near Bhakti-Shakti Chowk along the under-construction Pimpri-to-Nigdi Metro extension corridor and was captured in a viral video that quickly spread across social media platforms.
The footage shows gusty winds uprooting several large tin sheets fixed to temporary structures near the elevated Metro construction stretch. Within seconds, the sheets collapsed onto the road below, triggering panic among commuters and bystanders in the area.
A two-wheeler rider passing through the stretch appeared to have escaped narrowly as the metal sheets came crashing down moments later.
Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
The sudden incident has raised fresh concerns regarding safety arrangements at major infrastructure construction sites, especially during periods of unseasonal rain and strong winds.
Construction work on the Pimpri-to-Nigdi Metro extension corridor has been progressing rapidly over the past several months. Temporary sheds and metal installations had been erected at the site to support ongoing work and provide protective cover for labourers and equipment.
However, officials believe the strong winds accompanying Friday evening’s sudden weather changes may have damaged the temporary structures, causing the sheets to detach and fall onto the highway.
Taking cognisance of the viral video and public concern, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) confirmed that an inquiry has been initiated into the incident.
Chandrashekhar Tambavekar, Additional General Manager (Administration and Public Relations), Maha-Metro, said that the organisation’s security officers and teams are currently investigating the matter.
He stated that the incident has been taken seriously and strict action will be initiated against those found responsible after completion of the inquiry.
Officials also said a detailed safety audit is now being carried out across the under-construction Metro stretch to prevent similar incidents in the future. The administration is expected to review the structural stability and installation quality of temporary sheds and protective structures at Metro construction sites.
Several parts of Pune district witnessed light rainfall and strong gusty winds on Friday evening due to changing weather conditions.
According to weather observations, areas including Hinjewadi, Wakad, Pimpri, Girivan, Bhor, and Balladwadi experienced rainfall along with strong winds during the evening hours.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges of maintaining safety standards at large-scale urban infrastructure projects during unpredictable weather conditions, especially on busy traffic corridors carrying thousands of commuters every day.
