11 Killed, 2 Injured as Van Collides with Cement Mixer in Thane

According to police, the accident occurred around 11:30 am on the Kalyan–Ahilyanagar highway near the Raite bridge in Goveli village. An Eco taxi, travelling with passengers, collided with a cement mixer coming from the opposite direction. The impact of the crash was so severe that the passenger vehicle was completely mangled and it left no time for passengers to react or escape.

Eye-witnesses from the area rushed to the spot after hearing a loud crash and helped in rescue operations. Local residents immediately alerted the Highway Police and the local Police. Officers rushed to the spot and worked alongside rescue teams to retrieve the dead and injured trapped inside the crushed vehicle. Bodies were subsequently sent to a government hospital for post-mortem procedures.

Traffic movement on the highway was disrupted for some time following the incident. Two survivors, critically injured, were rushed to the Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar for treatment.

Kalyan Rural Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Lad confirmed the death toll, stating, “The bodies of the passengers of the Eco in the accident involving the Eco and mixer at Raite on NH 61 have been brought to the Goveli Government Hospital and there are 11 bodies.” Police have intensified their investigation into the tragic incident, he added.

Police indicated that excessive speed or a loss of vehicle control may have been the cause of the mishap, and an investigation has been launched into the exact circumstances. The cement mixer truck driver is believed to have been travelling at high speed on the stretch, which has seen increased traffic owing to ongoing road development work in the area.