Kolhapur, Maharashtra – A tragic incident unfolded in Kolhapur district on Monday when a 72-year-old man driving a Hyundai Santro caused a devastating crash that claimed three lives and left six others injured. The driver, identified as Vasant M Chavan, a retired Pro Vice-Chancellor of Shivaji University Kolhapur, lost control of his vehicle, striking four bikes before colliding with a parked car at Cyber Chowk. The entire ordeal was captured by CCTV cameras, shedding light on the horrific accident.
The collision occurred around 2:30 p.m. when Chavan’s speeding car collided with several motorcycles at the bustling intersection. Witnesses and CCTV footage depicted the chaos as victims were thrown into the air before tragically succumbing to their injuries. The impact was so severe that Chavan met his untimely demise inside his vehicle after hitting another stationary car, just days after celebrating his 72nd birthday.
Following the accident, multiple people were injured, with the severity of their conditions requiring treatment at C.T. Hospital and C.P.R. Hospital. Reports indicated that the driver may have been unwell, prompting authorities to investigate further into his health status and potential underlying conditions. The incident left a trail of damaged vehicles, toppled traffic barricades, and a partially destroyed traffic signal, leaving the area in disarray.
Cyber Chowk, a prominent thoroughfare in Kolhapur, is surrounded by educational institutions such as Rajaram College and Shivaji University Kolhapur, underlining the gravity of the calamity that transpired. Chavan, a well-respected figure with affiliations to prestigious institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad and Bharatiya Vidyapeeth, had a distinguished career that ultimately met a tragic end in the unfortunate accident. His legacy as a former college principal and Director of educational institutions in Kolhapur and Delhi adds another layer of depth to the heartbreaking incident.