Bengaluru CEO's death in accident sparks debate on road safety
What's the story
In a tragic accident on National Highway 48 near Nelamangala, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, six family members lost their lives on Saturday. The victims were traveling in a Volvo SUV when a container truck overturned and crushed their vehicle. The deceased included Chandram Yegapagol, the CEO of IAST Software Solutions, and his family members.
Accident details
Truck driver loses control, leading to fatal accident
Reportedly, the accident was caused when the truck driver, identified as Arif, lost control of his vehicle while trying to avoid a collision with another car. The truck was carrying several tons of aluminum pillars and veered off course at high speed, crossing the median before overturning onto the Volvo SUV. The impact severely damaged the car and also collided with a tempo before halting.
Safety concerns
Accident sparks debate on road safety in India
The accident has reignited the debate on road safety, with many noting that not even the safest of cars can protect occupants if others are driving recklessly. DriveSmart, a road safety advocacy group, emphasized this by saying, "Safe Roads + Safe Driver + Safe Car: All three are essential for safety." Some commenters noted that, while Volvo builds very safe automobiles, a car cannot handle the weight of an aluminum-loaded container.
Legal proceedings
Investigation underway, truck driver booked for negligence
Arif, the driver who also incurred injuries, told the media that the truck jumped the divider while trying to save a car that unexpectedly stopped on the highway. The truck then collided with a milk truck before crashing into the Volvo behind it. Arif has been booked under charges of rash driving and death by negligence. Police said six cranes were required to pull the truck off the crushed car.
Government response
Union Minister acknowledges rising road accidents in India
During a parliamentary session recently, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari admitted to the increasing number of road accidents in India. He stressed the need for a change in society and following traffic laws to avoid such tragedies. Government data states that over 1.78 lakh people died in road accidents last year, most of whom were aged between 18-34 years.