Andheri, Mumbai — A tragic accident occurred in Andheri, Mumbai, when a 19-year-old driver struck a mother and her daughter while they were walking on the sidewalk. The incident, which took place on the afternoon of March 19, 2025, left both victims severely injured and in need of urgent medical attention. The driver, who was reportedly speeding at the time, lost control of his vehicle and veered onto the pavement, hitting the duo as they were walking near a busy intersection.
Details of the Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the car, a silver sedan, was traveling at a high speed when the driver lost control and jumped the curb, hitting the mother and her daughter. The impact of the collision sent the two victims flying, and they were trapped under the vehicle until bystanders rushed to assist and help lift the car off them.
The 40-year-old mother, identified as Priya Deshmukh, and her 12-year-old daughter, Aishwarya, sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractures and head trauma. Immediate medical help was provided by those present at the scene, and both were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
“We heard a loud screeching noise, and then a thud. We rushed to the spot and saw two people lying unconscious on the ground while the car was still on the sidewalk. It was a horrifying sight. Thankfully, people quickly managed to lift the car and pull them out,” said one of the witnesses, who was a shopkeeper in the area.
The Driver’s Account and Arrest
The driver, identified as 19-year-old Raghav Patel, was immediately apprehended by the police after the incident. Patel, who was reportedly a resident of a nearby locality in Andheri, was in shock and appeared disoriented when approached by law enforcement officers. According to the police, Patel claimed that the accident occurred when he attempted to avoid hitting another vehicle that had swerved suddenly in front of him. However, witnesses at the scene dispute this claim, suggesting that the driver was speeding and appeared to be losing control of his vehicle.
Patel was arrested on charges of reckless driving, endangering public safety, and causing grievous harm. He was taken into custody and later questioned by the police. Authorities have also confirmed that they are conducting a thorough investigation into whether alcohol or other substances played a role in the accident.
“The driver lost control and drove his car onto the sidewalk at a high speed. This was a clear case of reckless driving, and we are taking strict action,” said a senior officer from the Andheri police station. “We are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crash.”
Medical Condition of Victims
Priya Deshmukh and her daughter Aishwarya remain in critical condition at the hospital. Priya has suffered fractures in both legs and a head injury, while Aishwarya has sustained fractures in her arm and several cuts on her face. The doctors are closely monitoring their condition, and both are expected to undergo multiple surgeries to treat their injuries.
The Deshmukh family has expressed their distress over the incident, and Priya’s husband, Anil Deshmukh, has appealed for justice. “My wife and daughter are in critical condition because of the driver’s carelessness. I am praying for their speedy recovery, but this could have been avoided if the driver had been more responsible. We hope that the authorities take swift action,” said Anil Deshmukh, who was visibly shaken by the accident.
Family and friends of the victims have gathered at the hospital, offering support as the mother and daughter remain in intensive care. The community has expressed outrage at the incident, with many calling for stricter regulations to curb reckless driving in the city.
Public Response and Growing Concerns Over Road Safety
This tragic event has reignited concerns over road safety in Mumbai, particularly in areas like Andheri, where traffic congestion and reckless driving have been persistent issues. Residents and local activists have long demanded better enforcement of traffic rules and more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, especially in busy areas with high foot traffic.
“Incidents like these happen far too often in Andheri, and it’s high time that the authorities address the growing menace of reckless driving,” said Rina Sharma, a local resident and road safety activist. “Pedestrians have the right to walk safely on the sidewalks, and drivers should be held accountable for their actions. We need stricter penalties and better road management to prevent such accidents.”
In light of this recent accident, the Andheri police have pledged to ramp up efforts to monitor traffic violations and reduce incidents of speeding, particularly in residential areas and busy commercial zones. Police have also urged pedestrians to exercise caution and use designated crossings, as the number of accidents involving both pedestrians and vehicles continues to rise in Mumbai.
Call for Stricter Traffic Laws
This accident has once again highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws in Mumbai, especially concerning young and inexperienced drivers. The growing number of incidents involving speeding and reckless driving has prompted calls for tougher penalties and more awareness campaigns to prevent such occurrences.
Several city officials have suggested implementing stricter licensing regulations and offering more education on road safety for young drivers. “We need to raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving, especially among young people who may not yet fully appreciate the responsibility that comes with driving,” said Pradeep Gupta, a road safety expert. “Drivers should be reminded that their actions can have devastating consequences, not just for themselves but for innocent pedestrians as well.”
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the tragic accident in Andheri has brought the issues of reckless driving and pedestrian safety into sharp focus. While the driver faces charges, the incident has underscored the urgent need for better road safety measures in Mumbai. The Deshmukh family, meanwhile, remains hopeful for the recovery of Priya and Aishwarya as the community rallies around them in their time of need. The case serves as a painful reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving for all members of society.
