University Denies Escaped Monkeys in Truck Crash Carried Deadly Diseases

In a shocking incident near Pune, Maharashtra, a truck transporting monkeys crashed, allowing dozens of primates to escape. The University of Veterinary Sciences, which owned the animals, has denied rumors that the monkeys were infected with dangerous diseases, but public fear persists.

Truck Crash Leads to Monkey Escape

Early Wednesday morning, a collision caused a truck carrying 50 monkeys to overturn near a major highway. Witnesses reported chaos as the animals fled into nearby forests and residential areas. Viral social media videos fueled speculation about the potential risks posed by the escaped primates.

Local authorities, alongside wildlife teams, have recovered 35 monkeys but are still searching for the rest. A forest department official urged calm, stating, “We advise the public not to panic but to report sightings immediately.”

University Insists Monkeys Pose No Health Risk

Amid growing concerns, the University of Veterinary Sciences issued a statement clarifying that the monkeys were part of behavioral research and disease-free. “These animals underwent strict health screenings,” the university said. “Claims they carry deadly viruses are false.”

Despite assurances, social media rumors suggested Ebola or Zika infections—fears experts dismissed. Dr. Anjali Mehta, an infectious disease specialist, said, “Without evidence of zoonotic diseases, there’s no threat. Still, avoid contact with escaped animals.”

Public Reaction and Animal Welfare Concerns

The incident split public opinion. Some residents accepted the university’s explanation, while others remained skeptical. “How do we know what experiments they were used for?” asked local shopkeeper Ramesh Patel.

Wildlife activists criticized transportation safety. Priya Nair of the Wildlife Protection Society said, “Poor vehicle conditions endanger animals and people. Stronger regulations are needed.”

What Happens Next?

Authorities continue searching for the missing monkeys while combating misinformation. The state health department is monitoring the situation but maintains there is no outbreak risk.

The crash raises broader concerns about lab animal safety and public transparency. For now, the focus remains on safely recovering the escaped primates—before rumors escalate further.

Stay updated on this developing story with NextMinuteNews.

—Reported by Arjun Kapoor, NextMinuteNews