Daijiworld Media Network – Palghar

Palghar, Jun 1: In a tragic accident on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway near Wada Khadkona village, three members of a Borivali-based family lost their lives, while two others, including a child, were seriously injured around 11.30 am on Saturday.

The victims were travelling in a Renault Duster when their car was crushed between two heavy vehicles on a slope near the accident-prone Mendhwan Ghat section. Police said a container truck suddenly braked, causing the Duster to collide into it, after which a silo truck rammed the car from behind.

The deceased have been identified as Clayton Valles (43), his wife Fabiola (45), and mother Gloria (73). Clayton's father Henan (63) and son Redan (9) sustained serious injuries and were shifted to Mumbai after initial treatment in Manor.

The family was returning from Daman after attending a family function. The crash site, located near Hotel Manor Gate, is a known black spot. Police said it took 90 minutes to extricate the victims from the mangled car.

Authorities have denied ongoing roadwork as a cause, though locals cited lack of proper signage and safety measures. Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh visited the site and confirmed an investigation is underway.

The stretch has a grim history of fatal crashes, including the 2022 death of industrialist Cyrus Mistry near Charoti. Regular commuters have called for urgent safety upgrades, including rumble strips and advance warning signs.