ST bus, Eicher tempo collide on Malshej Ghat, four injured

An ST bus and an Eicher tempo collided head-on at Malshej Ghat on the Ahilyanagar-Kalyan highway around 11 am on Friday, the 25th. The ghat is known for its scenic views but is also prone to accidents because of its sharp bends. Four people travelling in the two vehicles were injured and were rushed to a nearby hospital. Traffic on the ghat came to a complete halt for some time after the crash.

According to reports, the State Transport (ST) bus was on its regular route along the Ahilyanagar-Kalyan highway when it reached a sharp bend on the ghat and collided head-on with the Eicher tempo, which was coming from the opposite direction at high speed. The impact was severe enough to badly damage the front of both vehicles. Initial assessments suggest the narrow road and the sharp bend, which made it difficult to spot the oncoming vehicle in time, may have caused the accident. However, the exact cause -- whether the driver lost control or there was a technical fault -- has not yet been established. Police and highway authorities are investigating further.

The loud sound of the collision drew local residents and other drivers to the spot. Passengers on the bus were left frightened and panicked after the crash. Four passengers in all, from both the bus and the tempo, were injured. Locals and fellow passengers helped pull the injured out of the vehicles. Police, an ambulance and an emergency team reached the spot soon after being alerted. The injured were given first aid before being sent to a nearby hospital for treatment. They are said to be in stable condition and undergoing treatment. Authorities are working to confirm the names and identities of the injured.

Because the road at Malshej Ghat is narrow, long queues of vehicles built up on both sides of the highway after the accident. With the two vehicles stuck in the middle of the road, traffic came to a complete standstill. Police and other teams reached the spot and began work on a war footing to move the ST bus and the tempo to the side of the road using a crane. After about an hour of effort, the road was cleared and traffic gradually returned to normal.

Given the sharp bends, narrow road and constant flow of vehicles at Malshej Ghat, accidents on this stretch appear to be on the rise. Police and the highway traffic department have appealed to all drivers using this route to maintain full control over their speed, avoid overtaking on the ghat and drive with complete caution. Passengers have also been advised to plan their travel keeping the current traffic situation in mind.