Tragedy Strikes Thane: A Sunday Morning Ride Ends in Fatal Crash

Sunday mornings, for many, are a time for leisurely pursuits, perhaps a bike ride with friends, enjoying the open road. But for a group of motorcyclists on Thane’s Ghodbunder Road flyover this past Sunday, that idyllic start took a sudden, horrific turn. What should have been a pleasant outing ended in utter devastation, claiming four precious lives and leaving three others severely injured.

It was around 7:30 AM when tragedy struck, a time when the city is just beginning to stir. According to police reports, a Mahindra Scorpio, emblazoned with campaign banners for the Shiv Sena (UBT) — yes, a political vehicle — was traveling at what witnesses describe as a high speed. Suddenly, and for reasons still under investigation, it careened into the group of bikers. You can just imagine the chaos, the sheer terror in those split seconds.

The impact was brutal. Four individuals, Vaibhav Dhage, Sachin Dhage, Chetan Koli, and another whose name has yet to be widely released, were killed on the spot or succumbed to their injuries shortly after. Their Sunday ride, a simple pleasure, became their last. Three others were rushed to nearby hospitals, battling serious injuries, and we can only hope for their swift recovery. It's truly heartbreaking to think of the families now grappling with this sudden, unimaginable loss.

The driver of the ill-fated campaign vehicle, identified as Mayur Ashok Salunke, was apprehended by the Thane police. He’s now facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including causing death by negligence. It really makes you wonder about the responsibility drivers carry, especially when operating a vehicle tied to a public campaign. There's an added layer of scrutiny, isn't there?

This isn't just a statistic; it's a profound human tragedy. The victims were, it seems, part of a larger group heading out for a typical Sunday morning ride, a common pastime for many biking enthusiasts. This incident casts a somber shadow, not only over the local community but also on the ongoing election campaign, raising critical questions about road safety, driver accountability, and the precautions taken by political parties during their outreach efforts. We all need to be reminded, campaign or no campaign, that safety on our roads is paramount. Let’s hope justice is served and that such a devastating incident serves as a stark reminder for everyone behind the wheel.