Woman killed in Bhiwandi highway crash as Eknath Shinde stops convoy to help

A 28-year-old woman was killed and a motorcyclist was injured on Thursday morning after a truck collided with their two-wheeler on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway near Diva in Bhiwandi. The fatal accident prompted Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who was passing through the area, to stop his convoy and assist the victims.

The deceased has been identified as Reema Mukesh Bhatia, a 28-year-old resident of Kalyan. The injured motorcycle rider, Sameer Bhise, was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment following the collision.

According to the police, the accident occurred on the Thane-bound carriageway of the highway. The motorcycle was allegedly struck by a truck, causing Bhatia, who was riding pillion, to fall onto the road. She came under the wheels of the truck and died on the spot. Following the collision, the truck driver allegedly fled the scene with the vehicle.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was returning to Thane after meeting with corporators from Nashik at a hotel in Bhiwandi when he came across the accident scene. On noticing the crash, Shinde stopped his convoy to enquire about the situation and render aid.

Officials stated that Shinde directed his staff to provide immediate assistance to the victims and instructed that an ambulance be arranged without delay. He also ensured that the injured rider, Bhise, received prompt medical attention. Bhise was subsequently admitted to the Sub-District Hospital in Bhiwandi.

Personnel from the Narpoli police station rushed to the highway after receiving information about the incident. Traffic movement on the stretch was briefly affected while emergency responders carried out rescue and clearance operations.

A police official confirmed that an offence has been registered against the unidentified truck driver. Efforts are currently underway by the local police to trace and apprehend the fleeing driver, and further investigation into the accident is in progress.