Mumbai's New Sea Bridge Witnesses First Car Accident

Just a week after its grand opening, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), a 22-kilometer marvel of engineering, experienced its first major setback. Last Sunday at 3pm, a serious car accident was reported on the newly inaugurated sea bridge. The vehicle involved was a Maruti Suzuki Ignis, operated by 32-year-old Zara Sakir, a resident of Panvel. The car, en route to Mumbai, was carrying two women, a child, and two teenagers.

Dramatic Escape for Family: Caught on Camera

The intensity of the accident was captured on a dashcam from a nearby vehicle, revealing the harrowing moments of the crash. The footage showed the red Ignis dangerously speeding and overtaking another car from the left before colliding with the bridge's barrier and flipping over. In a miraculous twist of fate, the occupants of the car, belonging to a Dawoodi Bohra family, survived without serious injuries. Senior Police Inspector Sanjeev Dhumal of Nhava Sheva police station confirmed that, despite the violent nature of the accident, the family sustained no visible injuries. He also indicated that legal action is being contemplated against the driver for the reckless act.

Safety Concerns on the Bridge: Authorities Urge Caution

The incident has raised concerns about safety on the MTHL, a project that cost over ₹17,000 crore and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12. Designed to reduce travel time between Central Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to a mere 20 minutes, the bridge has become a hotspot for curious residents. However, it has also seen instances of rule-breaking, such as stopping or parking for selfies, despite clear instructions from authorities against such activities. In response to these concerns and the recent accident, the Nhava Sheva police have deployed a special monitoring team to maintain traffic flow and enforce rules on the bridge. Gulfaroz Mujawar, police inspector of the Nhava Sheva traffic unit, emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic rules and the necessity of responsible driving to ensure the safety of all bridge users.