A tragic incident on the Samruddhi Mahamarg has claimed the lives of two individuals after a truck driver, allegedly drowsy, crashed into a parked vehicle. The accident occurred near Kasgaon in Shahapur taluka, Thane district, during the early hours of Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

According to preliminary reports, a truck was stationary on the side of the expressway due to a breakdown. A second truck, traveling in the same direction towards Mumbai from Nagpur, collided with the parked vehicle. The driver of the moving truck is suspected to have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the devastating crash. The impact of the collision was so severe that iron angles from the colliding truck pierced through the front of the parked truck, resulting in the immediate death of the driver and the cleaner.

Following the accident, rescue teams promptly arrived at the scene to extricate the bodies of the deceased from the mangled remains of the truck. The bodies were then transported to Shahapur Sub-District Hospital for post-mortem examination. The Shahapur police have registered a case and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Initial assessments suggest that the driver of the moving truck may have dozed off due to fatigue, leading to the loss of control and subsequent collision.

The accident caused a temporary disruption in traffic flow on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, but authorities were quick to restore normalcy.

This recent incident highlights the growing concerns surrounding road safety on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, particularly the issue of driver fatigue. The expressway, known for its long, straight stretches, has been identified as a potential cause of "highway hypnosis," a phenomenon where drivers can enter an "auto-pilot mode" and lose focus, increasing the risk of accidents. There have been reports and expert claims that the straight design of the highway makes drivers sleepy.

Data indicates a concerning trend of accidents and fatalities on the Samruddhi Mahamarg. In the first three months of 2025, 45 lives were lost on this expressway. Drowsiness or tiredness has been identified as a significant contributing factor in many of these accidents.

Several measures have been suggested to mitigate the risk of accidents caused by drowsy driving, including incorporating curves in the road design to keep drivers alert. Experts also recommend that drivers take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid driving during periods when they are likely to be fatigued.

The Samruddhi Mahamarg has witnessed several accidents since its inauguration. In June 2025, two people died and four were injured when a jeep collided with a truck. In October 2023, twelve people died when a minibus rammed into a truck. In July 2023, twenty-five passengers were killed when a bus caught fire after hitting a pole and divider.