The Mumbai traffic police have launched an investigation to identify the causes of accidents and explore preventive measures on the Coastal Road amid rising such incidents.
This development came after a government official’s SUV overturned inside the southbound tunnel of the Coastal Road on Friday evening, June 13. It was the third such accident in the past five months has sparked fresh safety concerns on the corridor.The traffic police have initiated a detailed investigation into the incident and other two earlier crashes on the same stretch. They will examine whether road design flaws, poor signage, or speeding are contributing factors.
Overspeeding and racing by high-end vehicles have already been reported. The officials stated that they would be stepping up enforcement to avoid further accidents. Speed cameras are being installed along the corridor to monitor violations, especially in anticipation of increased traffic once all remaining arms of the Coastal Road open by July, they added.
The BMC’s Coastal Road department reported 38 vehicle breakdowns and three accidents since the tunnel was partially opened to the public in February.
Details of recent accident:
As per reports, the driver, identified as food inspector Vikas Sonawane from Kolhapur, was en route to Mantralaya when the mishap occurred. Sonawane told police that he braked suddenly after spotting a water puddle, causing the car to skid, lose traction, and flip. Fortunately, both airbags deployed and he was wearing a seatbelt, which helped limit his injuries to minor bruises.
The Marine Drive police said Sonawane was assisted by the traffic police and other emergency responders. After a routine medical check and inspection of the vehicle, he was allowed to continue.
However, video footage of the incident that surfaced on social media shows the SUV travelling at high speed moments before it overturned, raising questions about reckless driving and road design.
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