Three IIT Bombay Students Killed In Mumbai-Pune Expressway Crash After Sunrise Trip

SUV overturns near Panvel-Lonavala stretch; police suspect overspeeding as primary cause

Three students of the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) lost their lives in a tragic road accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway while returning from a sunrise trip to Khandala on Thursday morning.

The accident occurred when the SUV they were travelling in lost control and overturned near the Panvel exit, reportedly while overtaking a truck. The incident took place between 8.30 am and 9.30 am, according to initial reports.

How The Accident Happened

The group of six students had travelled to Lonavala-Khandala to watch the sunrise and were on their way back to the IIT-B campus in Powai when the accident took place.

According to police, the SUV is believed to have brushed against a truck while changing lanes, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle reportedly somersaulted multiple times, leaving it severely damaged and trapping the occupants inside.

Three Students Die, Others Injured

Out of the six students travelling together, three sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead at the scene. The deceased have been identified as Omkumar Borse (23) from Nashik, Lay (20) from Nagpur, and Shreyansh Sharma (22) from Jaipur.

The condition of the other occupants and further details are still being ascertained.

Overspeeding Suspected

Police officials indicated that overspeeding could have been a key factor behind the crash.

“Prima facie, it appears to be a case of speeding. The vehicle toppled and caused fatal injuries,” said a senior highway police officer.

At the same time, investigators are also examining whether contact with a truck during overtaking contributed to the accident.

Investigation Underway

Emergency services rushed to the spot after receiving a distress call, and rescue operations were carried out immediately.

“We are investigating the exact cause of the accident and will register an FIR based on findings,” a police officer said.

Authorities are currently examining multiple angles, including speed, road conditions and driver control, to determine the exact sequence of events.