Leopard Killed After Being Hit by a Speeding Vehicle on Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Lonavala, December 18, 2024: A tragic incident occurred last night on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as a full-grown leopard was fatally struck by a speeding vehicle. The collision took place around 11:30 PM in the Vadgaon Maval area near Lonavala. The leopard died on the spot, while the driver fled the scene immediately after the accident.
Officials from the Highway Traffic Police and the Maharashtra Forest Department promptly arrived at the location after being informed of the incident. The Forest Department has taken custody of the leopard’s remains. A formal case has been filed against the unidentified driver at the Vadgaon Maval Police Station.
This is not an isolated incident; highways in the region, including the Solapur Highway and areas like Manchar, Otur, and Ale Phata, have witnessed similar accidents involving wildlife. Increasing vehicular speed and habitat encroachment are believed to contribute to these unfortunate events.
Efforts are being called for by conservationists and citizens alike to implement effective measures, such as speed regulations and wildlife corridors, to prevent such incidents in the future.
