Mumbai, Sep 22 (Mid-Day): A sneezing bout at the wrong time could be hazardous to health. Not just your own, but for others around you too! The Vitthalwadi police in Ulhasnagar detained a 21-year-old youth on Friday night for ramming his car into as many as 12 people. What caused the accident? Apparently, the young man, identified as Prakash Sunder Ubhare, lost control of his car after he suddenly started sneezing.

The incident took place on Friday night at Manere Gaon in Ulhasnagar-4. Ubhare was driving his car towards Venus Cinema Chowk, along with a friend, when he suddenly started sneezing. Within seconds the car wheeled out of control and hit as many as 12 people standing or walking along the road.

Aghast at what he had done and scared of being thrashed, Ubhare tried to speed off but was caught near Abbu Beer Bar in Ulhasnagar-5. The mob, which had gathered by then, handed over him to Vitthalwadi police station.

The 12 victims were admitted to Shivneri Criticare and a government-run hospitals. Some of those injured have been identified as Shyamsunder Salunkhe (46), Surekha Salunkhe (41), Shrikant Podel (35), Kaushik Khambrohi (27), Pankaj Kukreja and Pramod More (27).

Others were discharged after receiving primary treatment. “He has been released on bail,” said investigating officer Avinash Mokshi.