Three Young Men from Pune Die in Crash on Delhi–Mumbai Expressway While Returning from Jammu & Kashmir Trip
Three Young Men from Pune Die in Crash on Delhi–Mumbai Expressway While Returning from Jammu & Kashmir Trip
A tragic accident claimed the lives of three friends from Pune district on Wednesday morning when their vehicle plunged off the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway in Kota district, Rajasthan. The group had been returning home after a trip through Leh-Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, travelling in a convoy of SUVs.
According to police reports, the crash occurred around 10:30 am between Balapura and Karadiya villages, within the jurisdiction of Kaithun Police Station under the Kota City Police Force. Eyewitnesses stated that a Toyota Fortuner, reportedly moving at high speed, lost control, struck the central divider, and fell nearly 30 feet from the elevated expressway.
All three passengers sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the Kaithun Community Health Centre. Tragically, they were pronounced dead upon arrival. Authorities identified the deceased as Siddhant Alhat (21), Kunal Choradiya (25), and Mayuresh Padale (23), all residents of Pune and living within the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC). The bodies are currently at the hospital for postmortem examination and will be handed over to the families afterward.
Police confirmed that the trio was part of a 12-member group who had embarked on a road trip to Leh-Ladakh and other parts of Jammu & Kashmir starting February 26. While travelling in a convoy of three Toyota Fortuners, the SUV carrying the three friends was leading, followed by the other vehicles.
Local witnesses noted that the Fortuner seemed to be speeding when the driver lost control, collided with the divider, and fell off the expressway. The vehicle was badly damaged, and nearby residents helped pull the occupants from the wreckage before emergency services arrived.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the expressway to determine the exact cause of the crash. Initial investigations suggest driver fatigue or momentary distraction could have played a role.
