Mumbai Hit-and-Run: Pedestrian Killed on Western Express Highway
- A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run on the Western Express Highway near Vile Parle.
- The victim, a 45-year-old man, was crossing the road when a speeding vehicle struck him and fled.
- Mumbai Police have registered a case and are scanning CCTV footage to identify the vehicle.
A 45-year-old man died after being hit by a speeding vehicle on the Western Express Highway near Vile Parle late Monday night. The driver fled the scene, leaving the victim lying on the road.
Police say the incident occurred around 10:30 pm. The victim, whose name has not been released pending family notification, was attempting to cross the highway near the Kherwadi signal. He was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.
Victim was crossing at an undesignated spot
Initial reports suggest the man was not using a marked pedestrian crossing. The Western Express Highway at that stretch has several flyovers and service roads, making it dangerous for pedestrians to cross.
Locals say pedestrian fatalities are common on this stretch. “There is no foot overbridge for nearly a kilometre. People take risks every day,” said a shopkeeper who witnessed the aftermath.
Police hunt for the vehicle
Mumbai Police have registered a case of causing death by negligence and hit-and-run under the Motor Vehicles Act and Indian Penal Code. Officers are currently scanning CCTV footage from nearby traffic cameras and private establishments.
“We have identified the probable make and colour of the vehicle. Teams are checking registration records,” said a senior police officer. He did not confirm whether a specific suspect has been identified.
Repeated tragedies on Mumbai's arterial roads
The Western Express Highway has seen a series of fatal accidents in recent months. Activists blame poor road design, lack of safe crossing points, and unchecked speeding for the rising toll.
Data from the Mumbai Traffic Police shows that in 2025, the highway accounted for over 60 pedestrian deaths. Most victims were daily wage workers and migrants unfamiliar with the area.
“Every week, there is blood on these roads. Authorities build flyovers for cars but forget the people walking,” said Ravi Sharma, a local activist.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has announced plans to install four new foot overbridges on the highway. But work has not started on any of them, residents say.
What happens next: Police expect to make an arrest within 48 hours based on CCTV evidence. The victim's body has been sent for post-mortem.