Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 9: A 22-year-old man was killed and his friend seriously injured after their motorcycle collided with a dumper truck that abruptly changed lanes on the Western Express Highway (WEH) at Malad East early Sunday, police said. The dumper driver fled the scene after abandoning the vehicle.

The fatal crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. on the Pathanwadi flyover. The deceased, identified as Nikhil Kadre (22), was riding the motorcycle with his friend Sumit Khairnar (22) as pillion. The two had gone out for a late-night meal and were returning home to Goregaon East when the incident took place.

According to the Kurar Police, the dumper was traveling on the southbound stretch of the highway when its driver suddenly applied brakes and swerved right. The motorcycle, unable to avoid the sudden movement, rammed into the rear of the truck.

Both Kadre and Khairnar were rushed to Trauma Care Hospital in Jogeshwari, where Kadre was declared dead before admission. Khairnar sustained grievous injuries and is undergoing treatment.

Police have registered an FIR against the absconding dumper driver under charges of causing death by negligence and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicles Act.

Investigators have seized the abandoned dumper and are examining CCTV footage from the highway to identify and trace the driver.

Officers said both victims were students. Kadre was a resident of Aarey Colony, while Khairnar lived in Mukund Nagar, Goregaon East.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of reckless driving and poor lane discipline on Mumbai’s arterial highways, especially during late-night hours.