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Bengaluru IT firm CEO, family killed in Nelamangala Highway crash; Netizens say 'Is safe car enough?'

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Bengaluru IT firm CEO, family killed in Nelamangala Highway crash

A tragic road accident on the Bengaluru National Highway at Nelamangala has claimed the lives of a Bengaluru-based IT firm CEO and five of his family members, sparking an intense debate about whether safe cars alone can prevent fatalities on Indian roads.

The crash

Authorities said the accident occurred around 11 a.m. near Tippagondanahalli on Saturday when a container truck toppled over and fell onto the roof of a Volvo XC90 sport utility vehicle (SUV). All six occupants of the SUV died on the spot.

The victims include 46-year-old Chandram Yegapagol, CEO and managing director of IAST Software Solutions in Bengaluru, along with family members identified by police as Gaurabai, Vijayalakshmi, Jaan, Deeksha and Arya. They were travelling to their hometown of Sangli, Maharashtra, in the newly purchased Volvo SUV, as per the police.

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According to media reports, the SUV was behind a milk truck when the container truck, driven by Arif, veered out of its lane. The driver reportedly lost control after a car in front braked suddenly, causing him to swerve to the right. The truck jumped the highway divider, collided with a milk truck, and toppled onto the SUV.

Arif, who suffered injuries, has been booked for rash driving, negligence, and causing death by negligence. Police are also working to identify the owner of the blue car that allegedly triggered the sudden braking, the Indian Express reported.

Traffic advisory

Following the accident, the Bengaluru District Police posted on X, formerly Twitter, advising commuters about slow-moving traffic on the Bengaluru-Tumakuru highway. Images from the crash site show local residents and passersby attempting to rescue victims with the help of cranes.

The police have obtained CCTV footage and are examining multiple angles to understand precisely how the fatal accident unfolded.

Local authorities said the fatal accident was not the driver’s fault. “Chandram was driving responsibly and was not at fault,” police told reporters, adding that they continue to piece together facts from eyewitness accounts, CCTV recordings, and statements from both drivers involved.

Police are also searching for the elusive blue car whose sudden braking may have set off the chain of events. Officials said that once the investigation is complete, they will take further action against any motorists found to have contributed to the crash.

Safety debate

The incident has reignited the discussion about whether advanced safety features in vehicles can truly protect passengers if road conditions and driving behaviour remain unpredictable.

The Volvo XC90 is considered among the safer SUVs, yet netizens argue that road safety requires more than just sturdy car designs.

“Being safer on the road is not achieved by a safer car alone. Safe roads, safe drivers, and safe cars are all essential,” a user wrote on X.

"Not the Volvo's fault, as any car would have crushed under such heavy weight—just an unfortunate twist of fate. Sad how death can find you in the most unexpected ways, even when you've done everything to stay safe," another wrote. 

Other social media users pointed out the need for better infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and improved driver awareness.

“You can’t expect the car to stay intact if a container truck falls onto it. No matter the vehicle’s safety rating, it’s crucial to have well-designed roads and responsible driving," a user wrote.

"Nobody will be prepared for a falling truck. I hope with the Volvo crash, people understand the limitations of road design,crash tests & driver skill. Look at this Merc. It had spent around 30 seconds next to truck. If it topples,will he blame his luck?," another shared. 

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