Kolhapur, Maharashtra – A tragic incident unfolded on Monday in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, when a 72-year-old man lost control of his Hyundai Santro, resulting in a devastating crash that claimed the lives of three individuals and left six others injured. Among the deceased was the driver of the Santro, identified as Vasant M Chavan, a retired Pro Vice-Chancellor of Shivaji University Kolhapur. The horrifying accident, captured on CCTV, occurred at the bustling Cyber Chowk intersection.
Reports indicate that the accident took place around 2:30 p.m. when Chavan’s speeding car collided with three motorcycles at Cyber Chowk. The impact was so severe that Chavan, who may have been unwell, ultimately lost control of his vehicle, leading to the tragic chain of events that followed. Witness statements and CCTV footage revealed the grim reality of the situation, with victims being thrown several meters into the air before succumbing to their injuries.
The aftermath of the crash resulted in significant damage, with at least three to four people sustaining injuries, multiple vehicles being affected, and traffic infrastructure being disrupted. The injured individuals were promptly taken to C.T. Hospital and C.P.R. Hospital for urgent medical attention, where they were listed in serious condition. Police authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, including Chavan’s potential health concerns and whether they may have played a role in the crash.
Cyber Chowk, a prominent area in Kolhapur, is known for its proximity to educational institutions such as Rajaram College and Shivaji University Kolhapur. Chavan, a respected figure in the community with a vast educational background, had held significant positions at institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad and Bharatiya Vidyapeeth. His tenure as Pro Vice-Chancellor at SUK from 2001 to 2004 served as a testament to his contributions to the field of education.
As authorities continue to piece together the details of this tragic incident, the community mourns the loss of lives and reflects on the importance of road safety measures to prevent such heartbreaking accidents in the future.