Overview

• The incident occurred on December 29 around 10 PM between Malegaon and Vanoja toll plazas in Washim district, affecting both passenger and cargo vehicles.
• Over 50 vehicles suffered punctures after driving over an iron sheet that had fallen onto the road, causing a significant traffic jam on the 701-km expressway.
• Commuters were stranded overnight as roadside assistance and authorities took hours to respond and clear the debris from the highway.
• Officials are investigating whether the iron sheet fell accidentally from a truck or was placed intentionally on the road.
• The Samruddhi Mahamarg, a partially operational high-speed expressway connecting Mumbai and Nagpur, has faced safety concerns after previous accidents and delays in construction completion.