Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra: On the festive night of Laxmi Pujan, a joyful family gathering turned into tragedy in Ravet, Pimpri-Chinchwad, when 35-year-old Soham Patel was fatally struck by a speeding vehicle. Patel, who was celebrating with his family, was on the road when a vehicle, allegedly moving at high speed, collided with him, leading to severe injuries that claimed his life shortly after. The tragic event was captured on CCTV footage from a nearby establishment, revealing the sudden impact and the chaos that ensued. A senior police officer from the Ravet police station said, “The victim, Soham Patel, was bursting firecrackers on the road on the eve of Diwali when a speeding car ran him over.” The victim sustained severe injuries and died, he said, adding that a case has been registered against the unidentified driver.
The CCTV footage shows Patel standing near the road with his family, enjoying the festivities of Laxmi Pujan, when a car sped towards him. Witnesses report that the vehicle was driving recklessly and did not slow down despite the presence of people near the road. The car hit Patel with such force that he was thrown several feet away, resulting in fatal injuries. Family members and bystanders rushed to his aid, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
The sudden loss of Patel has left his family and community in shock and grief. Relatives and friends gathered to pay their respects, with many lamenting the negligence and lack of accountability of speeding drivers. Local residents, disturbed by the incident, have raised concerns about speeding vehicles in residential areas, especially during festivals when people gather on the streets.
The sudden and violent nature of the accident has left the local community in shock and mourning. Despite the passage of 48 hours since the incident, authorities have yet to identify or apprehend the driver responsible. The Ravet police have responded by registering a formal case against the unknown motorist and have launched an extensive investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in tracking down the suspect.
Following the accident, local authorities reviewed the CCTV footage to identify the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. The police have initiated a search for the driver, who reportedly fled the scene after the incident. Authorities are working to apprehend the driver and have requested any additional witnesses to come forward with information. They have also emphasized that strict action will be taken against reckless driving, particularly in crowded, residential areas.
The heartbreaking loss of Soham Patel on what was meant to be a night of celebration underscores the dangers posed by reckless driving, especially during festivals when roads are busier than usual. This incident has fueled calls for stricter traffic enforcement and speed regulation in residential and celebratory zones to prevent such tragedies in the future.