A devastating multi-vehicle accident occurred on Thursday evening, November 13, 2025, on the stretch of the Navale Bridge on the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass near Pune, Maharashtra. The crash, involving at least eight vehicles, triggered a fireball and left five people dead and ten injured. The incident has raised concerns about traffic safety at this notorious “selfie point” location and led to major disruptions on the Satara-to-Mumbai lane of the NH 48.
According to officials, the accident took place within the jurisdiction of the Sinhagad Road Police Station when a heavy container truck lost control and rammed into several other vehicles, including cars and trucks. Witnesses described multiple impact points across the bridge section and reported that two large vehicles caught fire, resulting in a massive explosion and flames visible from a distance.
Emergency services from the Pune Fire Brigade and police responded promptly, dispatching several fire-tenders and ambulances to the scene. Injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals while the traffic department issued an advisory for motorists to avoid the stretch, recommending the old Katraj Ghat route as an alternative. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control, while rescue teams worked to extract trapped passengers from mangled vehicles.
The site of the crash, often frequented by motorists for roadside photography and known locally as a “selfie point,” has been a concern for years due to repeated accidents. Residents and commuters have often complained about poor traffic management, speeding vehicles, and a dangerous downhill curve leading onto the bridge. Locals noted that despite previous warnings and multiple incidents, effective safety measures such as barricades, signage, and speed monitoring systems have not been adequately implemented.
Investigators from the police traffic division are examining possible causes of the crash, including excessive speed, brake failure, and driver fatigue. Technical experts have been called to inspect the vehicles involved, while forensic teams are analyzing evidence from the site. Authorities are also assessing whether poor road lighting or surface conditions contributed to the loss of control.
The accident caused a major traffic blockade on the busy Satara–Mumbai highway, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded for several hours. Clearance operations continued late into the night as cranes and tow trucks worked to remove the charred remains of vehicles and debris from the road. Police have assured that detailed reports will be submitted to determine responsibility and suggest long-term preventive actions.
The tragic incident on Navale Bridge has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger road-safety measures on Maharashtra’s major highways. With five lives lost and ten others injured, it underscores the dangers of unchecked speeding, poor road infrastructure, and inadequate enforcement. Authorities are now under pressure to review traffic patterns, improve signage, and implement stricter controls to prevent further loss of life. The so-called “selfie point” has now become a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of negligence on India’s highways.
