A devastating accident on the Ambernath flyover on Friday evening resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries, including serious injuries to Shiv Sena candidate Kiran Chaubey, who was on her way to a campaign event. Preliminary reports indicate that the incident was triggered when the driver of her campaign vehicle, Laxman Shinde, suffered a sudden heart attack, causing him to lose control of the car.
Sequence of Events
The accident occurred around 7:15 pm on the busy flyover connecting Ambernath East and West. According to eyewitness accounts, the campaign vehicle suddenly swerved across the road after the driver became unresponsive. The car reportedly crossed the divider at high speed and rammed into multiple oncoming two-wheelers, resulting in a chaotic chain collision.
The impact was severe enough to throw at least one motorcyclist off the flyover to the road below, while several others were left critically injured on the scene. Local residents rushed forward, breaking the windshield of the campaign vehicle to rescue Chaubey and other occupants.
Casualties and Injured
The accident claimed the lives of four individuals:
- Laxman Shinde, the driver of the campaign car
- Sumit Chelani, a 17-year-old resident
- Shailesh Jadhav, a municipal council employee
- Chandrakant Anarke, another civic employee, who reportedly fell off the flyover after the collision
At least four others sustained serious injuries, including Kiran Chaubey and two of her associates traveling in the car. All injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, where Chaubey remains under medical observation.
Ongoing Investigation
Police officials have launched a full investigation into the incident. CCTV footage from the flyover is being reviewed to establish the exact sequence of events. A detailed mechanical inspection of the campaign vehicle is underway to ensure no technical issues contributed to the crash.
While a cardiac arrest suffered by the driver is considered the most likely cause, authorities are also collecting statements from eyewitnesses to rule out possible alternative factors.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ambernath Flyover, Thane District |
| Date & Time | Friday, November 21, 2025, approx. 7:15 pm |
| Deaths Reported | 4 |
| Injured | At least 4, including candidate Kiran Chaubey |
| Suspected Cause | Driver suffered a sudden heart attack |
| Vehicle Involved | Shiv Sena campaign car |
Broader Implications
The tragic event has raised critical questions about election campaign safety, especially regarding:
- Medical fitness checks for drivers operating campaign vehicles
- Structural safety of flyovers, particularly divider strength and lane protection
- Vehicle maintenance and emergency preparedness during election-related travel
The incident comes at a crucial time when local election activities are at their peak, prompting calls for stronger safety protocols to safeguard campaign teams and the general public.
