Medical teams and ambulances stationed along the route reached the accident site immediately. Injured cyclists were given first aid at the scene and later taken to nearby private hospitals for further treatment
Officials said that the use of helmets and protective gear helped prevent fatalities. Pic/Special Arrangement
Over 70 cyclists were involved in a major accident during the Bajaj Pune Grand Cycle Tour after a chain-reaction crash occurred in Mulshi taluka on Sunday.
The incident took place on the Mulshi-Kolvan Road when the road suddenly narrowed at a sharp turn. Cyclists, who were reportedly riding at speeds of 60 to 70 kmph, failed to anticipate the sudden change in road width. When one leading cyclist lost balance, those riding close behind were unable to stop in time, leading to a large pile-up within seconds.
Several riders were thrown off their bicycles due to the impact, while many sustained injuries. Some cyclists suffered serious injuries, and a number of expensive, high-end bicycles were badly damaged in the crash.
The international-level cycling event, organised with the support of the Pune District Cycling Association and the Maharashtra state government, had begun on a positive note. However, the accident has raised serious concerns about route planning and safety arrangements on the ground.
Medical teams rush to the spot
Medical teams and ambulances stationed along the route reached the accident site immediately. Injured cyclists were given first aid at the scene and later taken to nearby private hospitals for further treatment.
Officials said that the use of helmets and protective gear helped prevent fatalities. However, several riders were forced to withdraw from the competition due to their injuries.
Safety arrangements
Although organisers had stated that all international safety standards were being followed, eyewitnesses claimed that better warning signs and improved spacing at the sharp turn could have prevented the accident.
“If proper caution signs had been placed and enough distance had been maintained between cyclists, this mishap could have been avoided,” said a spectator.
Stricter safety measures introduced
The Bajaj Pune Grand Cycle Tour is being held in Pune on a large scale for the first time and was inaugurated in the presence of the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Following the incident, authorities have introduced stricter safety measures along the remaining sections of the route to prevent further accidents.
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