Biker Killed, Three Injured as Out-of-Control Innova Crashes Near Belapur Bridge

A 36-year-old motorcyclist was killed and at least three people were injured after a Toyota Innova lost control and triggered a multi-vehicle chain collision near the Uran Phata Bridge at CBD Belapur on Sunday afternoon.

The deceased has been identified as Anand Namdev Kadam, 36, a resident of Gothivali in Rabale. The crash occurred around 3:10 pm after CBD Khind. Police said Kadam was riding his motorcycle behind an autorickshaw when the SUV allegedly rammed into the three-wheeler and then struck his two-wheeler, leaving him critically injured. He later died of his injuries.

The autorickshaw was carrying Ruchira Talekar, 44, a teacher residing in Nerul, alongside her sister Manisha Parekh and brother-in-law Atul Parekh, who were travelling from Kharghar towards Nerul. Talekar suffered injuries to her right foot and waist, while her sister sustained chest and head injuries, and Parekh suffered head and neck injuries along with abrasions. The Innova continued moving after hitting Kadam's motorcycle, crashing into three more three-wheelers and two-wheelers, which damaged multiple vehicles and caused further injuries.

Police identified the driver of the Innova as Hemant Ramesh Thanekar, 61, a resident of Thane. Arun Pawar, senior police inspector at CBD Belapur police station, said Thanekar took the wheel during his return journey after his regular hired driver fell ill and had to be admitted to a hospital in Kolhapur. Police have issued a notice to Thanekar.

The injured complainant was treated at D Y Patil Hospital in Nerul, where police recorded her statement before registering an FIR. The CBD Belapur police booked the driver under Sections 281, 106, 125(a), and 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, and are investigating what caused the vehicle to lose control.