A tragic accident on the Ambernath flyover in Thane district on Friday evening, November 21, 2025, claimed four lives and left several others injured after the campaign vehicle of Shiv Sena candidate Kiran Chaubey lost control and rammed into multiple two-wheelers. The incident occurred at the height of election activity in the region, prompting shock and concern across the district.
A Sudden Loss of Control
According to preliminary police findings, the accident took place at approximately 7:15 p.m. when the campaign SUV traveling along the busy flyover suddenly veered across the median. Witnesses reported that the vehicle swerved abruptly before jumping the divider and colliding with four to five motorcycles approaching from the opposite direction. The car eventually overturned, trapping those inside until local residents rushed in to assist.
Investigators stated that the driver, identified as Lakshman Shinde, is suspected to have suffered a sudden medical emergency—possibly a heart attack—moments before losing control. Authorities, however, have not yet ruled out other possibilities, and a detailed medical and mechanical examination is underway.
Fatalities and Injuries
The accident resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including the driver. The three other victims were riders of the two-wheelers involved in the collision. They have been identified as Sumit Chelani (17), Shailesh Jadhav (45) and municipal sanitation worker Chandrakant Anarke.
Several others sustained injuries of varying severity. Shiv Sena candidate Kiran Chaubey, who was inside the vehicle at the time, suffered multiple wounds but was safely rescued by bystanders who broke the windshield to pull her out. All injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they continue to receive treatment.
Eyewitness Accounts and Ongoing Probe
Eyewitnesses described the crash as extremely forceful, with one motorcycle reportedly being flung several meters. Some witnesses alleged that the vehicle was moving at a high speed prior to the impact, though this is yet to be confirmed by authorities. CCTV footage from the flyover and surrounding areas has been seized for analysis to reconstruct the exact sequence of events.
Police teams are examining whether the driver’s medical condition was the primary cause or if factors such as speeding or mechanical failure played a role. A detailed report is expected once forensic and technical assessments are complete.
Safety Concerns and Election Context
The incident has raised fresh concerns about road safety during election campaigns, where continuous travel, long working hours, and operational pressure can lead to fatigue for drivers and staff. The tragedy has also reignited discussions about flyover safety, including calls for stronger median barriers, stricter speed regulation, and mandatory health certifications for drivers operating campaign vehicles.
