At least 17 persons were killed and 21 others injured in a ghastly road accident involving a bus and two private vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (E-Way) near Panvel on Sunday.
According to the state highway control, the accident occurred near Shendug curve on the Pune-Mumbai arm of the Expessway, around 4.00 a.m.
Initial investigations showed that a tyre of a Swift car suddenly developed a puncture and halted in the first lane for repairs.
The second private vehicle, an Innova, stopped by to offer help.
Just then, a speeding bus came and rammed into the Innova from behind. Both the bus and the Innova were thrown into a 40-foot deep ditch.
At least 10 passengers were killed instantaneously by the impact.
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Among the victims were eight women, six men and three minor girls.
Most of the victims were from Satara, others from Pune, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mumbai.
--IANS
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