Tragedies Mar Holi Festivity: SUV Falls Off Butibori Flyover, Youth Killed, Sister and 3 Others Injured

Butibori flyover | Butibori Police |  Nagpur: Holi, the festival of colors, is supposed to be a time of joy, laughter, and togetherness. However, this year’s celebrations turned tragic near Butibori, Nagpur, where a fatal accident claimed the life of an 18-year-old youth and left four others severely injured. The mishap occurred when a Mahindra 700 SUV lost control and plunged 20 feet off a flyover, turning festivities into mourning.

The Fateful Accident: What Happened? (Butibori flyover)

On Friday afternoon, a group of friends traveling from Wardha to Nagpur met with a horrifying accident near Butibori T-point on Wardha Road. The SUV driver, in an attempt to rectify a wrong turn, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to hit the protective wall of the flyover and crash down below.

Victims of the Tragic Incident

Deceased

• Arinjay Abhijit Shrawane (18) – He succumbed to fatal injuries and was declared dead on the spot.

Injured Individuals

1. Akshata Abhijit Shrawane (22) – Sister of the deceased, sustained severe injuries.
2. Saksham Vijay Bafna (19) – The driver of the SUV, injured but survived.
3. Himanshu Vijay Bafna (22) – Passenger, critically injured.
4. Manas Shailendra Badani (22) – Passenger, suffered multiple injuries.

The Course of Events Leading to the Accident

The victims were on their way to Nagpur to celebrate Holi. However, Saksham Bafna, who was driving, mistakenly took a wrong turn on the Butibori flyover. In a panicked attempt to correct the mistake, he sped up and lost control, leading to the catastrophic crash.

Impact of the Crash

• The vehicle fell 20 feet below, crashing into trees before hitting the ground.
• The SUV was severely damaged, and all passengers sustained injuries.
• Emergency services rushed to the scene, transporting victims to the hospital.

Eyewitness Accounts and Police (Butibori Police) Response

Eyewitness Reports

Bystanders at the scene described the accident as terrifying. They heard a loud crash and saw the SUV topple off the flyover.

Police Action

• The Butibori Police, led by Inspector Prataprao Bhosle, responded promptly.
• The injured were taken to hospitals across Nagpur.
• An investigation was launched into the accident.

Seat Belts and Safety Measures: Lessons to Learn

Seat Belt Usage

• The driver and front-seat passenger were wearing seat belts, which helped in deploying airbags.
• The passengers in the back row were not wearing seat belts, leading to severe injuries.

Road Safety Awareness

• Speeding on flyovers poses a significant risk.
• Wearing seat belts is crucial, even for back-seat passengers.
• Avoid making abrupt turns at high speeds.

Emotional Impact on the Family

The tragic loss of Arinjay Shrawane has left his family in deep shock. His sister Akshata, who survived the accident, remains in critical condition. The friends who were supposed to celebrate Holi together are now struggling to recover from this devastating incident.

Public Reactions and Condolences

The accident has sparked discussions on road safety, with many urging drivers to be more cautious. Social media platforms flooded with condolence messages for the victims’ families, emphasizing the need for better road awareness.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Such Tragedies

1. Always Follow Road Signs

• Wrong turns can be fatal. Drivers should stay alert and follow road signs carefully.

2. Never Panic While Driving

• If a wrong turn is taken, drivers should find a safe spot to turn around instead of making hasty decisions.

3. Maintain a Safe Speed Limit

• Speeding increases the risk of losing control over the vehicle.

4. Wear Seat Belts – Front and Back Seats

• Airbags deploy properly when seat belts are worn.
• Back-seat passengers are at equal risk in accidents.

5. Proper Vehicle Maintenance

• Regular checks on brakes, tires, and airbags can prevent mechanical failures that might contribute to accidents.

Government and Authorities’ Role in Road Safety

Authorities must take proactive steps to improve road safety by:

• Installing better signboards and warning signals at tricky intersections.
• Conducting public awareness campaigns on the importance of seat belts.
• Strictly enforcing speed limits and traffic regulations.

Holi is meant to be a celebration of life, but for the families involved in this tragic accident, it turned into a day of sorrow. This unfortunate event is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, seat belt usage, and responsible driving. Let us ensure that every journey we take is safe and free from such devastating consequences.

1. What was the cause of the Butibori flyover accident?

The accident was caused due to a wrong turn taken by the driver, leading to panic, loss of control, and a crash off the flyover.

2. Could seat belts have prevented serious injuries in this accident?

Yes. The front-seat passengers who wore seat belts had airbags deployed, reducing injuries. The back-seat passengers, who were not wearing seat belts, suffered more severe injuries.

3. What steps can drivers take to avoid similar accidents?

Drivers should always follow road signs, avoid panic in case of a wrong turn, maintain speed limits, and ensure all passengers wear seat belts.

4. How did emergency services respond to the accident?

Butibori Police and local authorities responded immediately, rushing the injured to hospitals and beginning an investigation.

5. What lessons can be learned from this tragedy?

The key takeaways include the importance of seat belts, road awareness, responsible driving, and safe decision-making while on the road.