Minor drives Mercedes into car in Mumbai’s Coastal Road tunnel

February 3, 2026

Mumbai: In a startling road accident in South Mumbai, a Mercedes-Benz being driven by a 17‑year‑old boy rammed into another car inside the Coastal Road tunnel early Sunday morning, leaving three people injured, police said. The incident has sparked concern over underage driving and road safety on busy city highways.

Accident Occurred During Early Hours

The collision took place at around 1:45 am inside the tunnel on Mumbai’s Coastal Road, as the luxury Mercedes was heading towards South Mumbai at high speed. According to police, the Mercedes rear‑ended an SUV (Ford EcoSport), which then was pushed into another car ahead, amplifying the impact of the crash.

Three occupants of the impacted SUV a family of three, including a senior woman suffered injuries in the crash. While the driver and his mother‑in‑law received minor injuries, his wife sustained a more serious nasal injury and was rushed to GT Hospital for treatment.

Minor at the Wheel: Investigation Details

Police investigations revealed that the Mercedes was registered to a senior businessman from Agripada. His 18‑year‑old granddaughter had taken the car keys without permission and was accompanied by her 17‑year‑old friend, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Officials said the minor driver lost control of the high‑end car inside the tunnel, causing the initial collision. Preliminary checks indicated that alcohol was not a factor, but speed and lack of driving experience appear to have contributed to the accident.

Case Registered; Charges Likely

Following the accident, the D B Marg police station registered a case against three individuals the car owner, his 18‑year‑old granddaughter, and the 17‑year‑old driver. They have been booked under sections of the Motor Vehicles Act related to rash and negligent driving, and further investigation is underway.

Police officials said they are examining CCTV footage from the tunnel to determine the exact speed of the Mercedes and reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Road safety enforcement on the Coastal Road has also come under renewed focus as a result.

Safety Concerns on Coastal Road

The incident has reignited debates over road safety and enforcement on major thoroughfares like the Coastal Road, which is one of Mumbai’s busiest express routes. Authorities are expected to review night‑time patrols and speed monitoring to prevent similar accidents, especially those involving high‑end vehicles and reckless driving behaviors.

Traffic police have previously warned motorists about strict speed limits and driving regulations inside tunnels and expressway sections, citing the challenges of high speeds and limited maneuvering space.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

Local residents and road users expressed concern on social media about underage driving and lax supervision, calling for stricter enforcement of licensing norms. Authorities have assured that the investigation will determine whether additional charges are warranted based on negligence and endangerment.

As the injured continue treatment and the probe progresses, police urged motorists on the Coastal Road to drive responsibly and adhere to traffic rules, especially within confined stretches like the tunnel where even small mistakes can lead to serious consequences.