A day after the horrific pile-up on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway that killed one, injured 17 people and left several vehicles completely wrecked, new findings have highlighted a familiar set of dangers — brake failure, driver fatigue, and poor gear control in the Khandala ghat section.

The trailer driver, Rajesh Kumar Patel, 29, who is now in custody at Khopoli police station, told police officials that he experienced severe giddiness and a pounding headache moments before losing control of the vehicle. “Mujhe chakkar aa raha tha, sir mein dard ho raha tha… gaadi rok nahi paaya (I was feeling dizzy, my head was hurting… I couldn’t stop the vehicle).” he reportedly said during interrogation.

Swapnil Patil, assistant police inspector, highway police, said initial findings confirm that the trailer’s brake system failed, causing the heavy vehicle to swerve left and ram approximately 25 vehicles before finally halting. The driver was not under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs, but the police are investigating potential mechanical lapses and human negligence.