Truck hits vehicles on Mumbai-Pune Express Highway after brake failure; 19 injured

The truck, headed towards Mumbai, reportedly lost control while descending a slope and rammed into the vehicles near the stretch between the new tunnel and the Food Mall hotel, NDTV reported.

The impact led to a massive pile-up involving several four-wheelers and heavy vehicles, including high-end cars like BMWs and Mercedes, officials said.

"The driver of the container trailer truck lost control of the vehicle after brake failure. It hit at least 20 vehicles, including luxury cars like BMW and Mercedes, resulting in serious injuries to 19 people. They were admitted to a private hospital in Navi Mumbai," an official was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Emergency services reached the spot quickly to clear the wreckage and assist the injured, who were taken to a private hospital in Navi Mumbai.

The truck driver has been detained. A medical test confirmed he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.

The crash occurred on the Mumbai-bound lane of the expressway and falls under the jurisdiction of the Khopoli police station.

A case has been registered and further investigation is in progress.