Bengaluru Volvo car accident that killed CEO, family raises questions over road safety

The victims were identified as Chandram Yegapagol (48), his wife Gourabai (42), their children Gyan (16) and Deeksha (12), Chandram's sister-in-law Vijayalakshmi (36), and her six-year-old daughter Arya.

Chandram, the CEO and managing director of IAST Software Solutions, had reportedly purchased the SUV only two months ago.

The family was en route to Sangli in Maharashtra to visit Chandram’s father. Chandram was driving safely and bore no responsibility for the accident, reported The Times of India, citing police statements.

The driver of the container truck involved in the crash, Arif, explained to the media that the accident occurred as he attempted to avoid another car.

"A car in front of me hit the brakes suddenly. When I hit the brakes, the truck kept moving forward. To avoid the car, I swerved to the right, and the truck jumped the divider," he said.

The truck then collided with a milk tanker before crashing into the Volvo SUV.

Arif, who sustained injuries in the crash, admitted he was initially unaware of the deaths.

The truck was carrying aluminium, he said, adding that heavy, loaded vehicles cannot stop abruptly, and braking suddenly is especially risky.

Arif has been charged with rash driving and causing death by negligence.

The incident has sparked widespread debate online. Social media users have highlighted how even the safest cars cannot guarantee protection if other drivers behave irresponsibly.

Many have pointed out the pressing need to prioritise safer road conditions and better driving practices alongside advancements in vehicle safety technology.

This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder that road safety extends far beyond individual vehicles and relies heavily on collective responsibility and infrastructure improvements.

The tragic Volvo SUV crash that claimed six lives near Bengaluru has spurred a broader discussion on road safety in India, with social media users, experts, and policymakers weighing in on the incident.

Some social media users noted that while Volvo is known for manufacturing exceptionally safe vehicles, even the sturdiest car cannot withstand the impact of a container truck loaded with aluminium.

Others have tagged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, urging him to implement stricter road safety measures.

Senior police officer CK Baba told *Deccan Herald* that six cranes were required to lift the heavily loaded truck off the crushed Volvo SUV. Only then could the victims’ bodies be retrieved, one by one, from the mangled remains of the vehicle.

During a discussion on road accidents in the Lok Sabha Winter Session, Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his frustration and embarrassment over India’s road safety record.

Reflecting on his earlier promise to halve road accidents when he assumed charge of the ministry, Gadkari admitted, "Forget about reducing the number of accidents, I have no hesitation to admit that it has increased."

He further added, "When I go to attend international conferences where there is a discussion on road accidents, I try to hide my face."

The minister emphasised the need for societal change and adherence to the rule of law to curb accidents, highlighting the alarming government statistics: over 1.7 lakh fatalities from road accidents last year, which translates to approximately 470 deaths daily.

The majority of victims belong to the 18-34 age group.

This tragic incident, coupled with the rising number of road accident deaths, has reignited calls for urgent reforms in road safety protocols, infrastructure improvement, and driver accountability in India.