Navi Mumbai SUV Crash: Driver Arrested After Fatal Collision, Claims He Hit Accelerator by Mistake
The SUV driver was arrested by Taloja Police following the fatal Navi Mumbai collision, as officials examine the circumstances behind the accident.
Navi Mumbai, July 8, 2026: A 22-year-old SUV driver has been arrested by Taloja Police after a horrific road accident in Navi Mumbai that left one person dead and five others injured. The accused has claimed that he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake during a moment of panic, but police are verifying his statement through evidence.
The accused, Araafat Shabbir Patel, was arrested from Kharghar on Wednesday night and produced before a local court, which sent him to police custody until July 10. Patel, a second-year BBA student and the son of a Taloja-based builder-cum-contractor, is being investigated in connection with the fatal crash.
According to police, Patel told investigators that the accident happened when he tried to avoid hitting an elderly man who suddenly came in front of his SUV. He claimed that the vehicle first brushed against a two-wheeler, after which he panicked and lost control.
Police said Patel stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, he repeatedly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. Senior Police Inspector Pravin Bhagat of Taloja Police Station said the accused’s version is being carefully examined as part of the investigation.
Fatal Crash in Taloja
The accident took place around noon on Tuesday in Sector 9, Taloja Phase I, when the SUV allegedly crashed into multiple vehicles before hitting a roadside food stall.
The speeding vehicle reportedly struck a motorcycle, an auto-rickshaw, and a tempo before coming to a stop. The collision claimed the life of 35-year-old Nadeem Azam Khan, who was returning from the gym when he was hit by the SUV.
Five other people were injured in the crash, with two to three victims reportedly in critical condition and receiving medical treatment.
Police Investigation Underway
Following the accident, police launched an investigation to determine the exact sequence of events. Authorities are examining CCTV footage, forensic reports, and statements from eyewitnesses to confirm what happened moments before the crash.
Police officials said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over road safety, responsible driving, and the need for greater caution behind the wheel.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
