Kolhapur: Noted truck-body craftsman dies in accident after temple visit

Baburao Appaji Lohar, 73, a craftsman renowned in western Maharashtra for building and repairing truck bodies, died in an accident on Monday morning. The accident happened while he was returning home after visiting the Shri Ambabai temple in Kolhapur.

Lohar had gone to the Shri Ambabai temple in his four-wheeler on Monday morning as he usually did. After the visit, he also stopped at the Babujamal Dargah. He was then returning home via the Rankala Tower area. Initial information indicates that around 6 am, near Kharade College in the Rankala area, his vehicle was hit by an unidentified vehicle.

People out and about in the Rankala area rushed to the spot after hearing a loud noise at the time of the accident. Lohar suffered a serious head injury in the collision. Bystanders immediately called the 108 emergency number and had him admitted to CPR Hospital for treatment.

After he was admitted, some young men recognised him. But doctors said after examination that he had died before treatment could begin. His death has caused grief among those associated with the truck body-building trade.

Lohar ran a truck body workshop in the Jivbanana Park area on Radhanagari Road. He lived with his family in a bungalow behind the workshop. He was known across western Maharashtra for his skill in building and repairing truck bodies.

Lohar's four-wheeler was badly damaged in the accident. Police are investigating exactly how the accident happened, which vehicle hit him, and whether the driver can be identified. A case has been registered at Juna Rajwada police station.