NAVI MUMBAI: A tragic accident on Navi Mumbai’s Palm Beach Road early Thursday claimed the life of a 40-year-old Airoli resident, Manish Pednekar, and left his wife and young daughter injured. The incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. near the Sarsole Jetty signal when an SUV driven by a drunk youth rear-ended the family’s hatchback at high speed.
The force of the collision caused the hatchback to roll over multiple times, leaving its right side severely mangled. Pednekar, who was driving, died on the spot. His wife, Sneha (34), sustained minor injuries, while their four-year-old daughter, Ananya, seated in the back, was critically injured and remains in intensive care at Apollo Hospital, Belapur.
SUV Driver Flees the Scene
The SUV, driven by 26-year-old Omkar More from Sanpada, veered off the road, rolled over, and came to rest on its side. More fled the scene, leaving behind the damaged vehicle, which contained broken beer bottles, according to Nerul police.
Police apprehended More within three hours, and medical tests at NMMC Hospital, Vashi, confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Legal Action Taken
Senior Inspector Brahmanand Naikwadi of Nerul police station confirmed that More was arrested and booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the Motor Vehicle Act for rash and negligent driving causing death. This includes Section 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act, which criminalizes driving under the influence of alcohol.
More was presented in court and remanded to police custody until November 9.
Call for Responsibility
Inspector Naikwadi highlighted that the SUV’s airbags deployed, protecting More from severe injuries. Sneha Pednekar, treated at Dr. DY Patil Hospital, is now stable, while Ananya continues to receive critical care.
An anonymous local citizen voiced concern about the recurring issue of drunk driving on Palm Beach Road, noting the presence of pubs and discotheques in Belapur operating late into the night. “Authorities must ensure that patrons avoid driving under the influence, perhaps by encouraging cab services or arranging for sober drivers,” they said.
This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of drunk driving laws and greater accountability from nightlife establishments to prevent similar tragedies.
