Painful death of six family members including CEO

A tragic road accident took place in Nelamangala, Karnataka on Saturday, in which Chandram Yegapagol, CEO of an automotive software company, and five of his family members died. This horrific accident has raised serious questions regarding safety on the National Highway. The life of this family, which was moving in its lane without any mistake, ended in a few seconds.

How did the accident happen?

The magnitude of this accident can be gauged from the fact that the fire brigade personnel who reached the spot described pulling out the bodies from the SUV as a “heart-wrenching experience”.

• Statement of the fire brigade employee:
  “The SUV was crushed so badly that it was extremely difficult to remove the bodies. This incident will remain in our memories for a long time.”
• Beginning of the accident:
  A container truck crossed the road divider and collided with Chandram Yegapagol’s Volvo SUV coming from the opposite direction.

truck driver’s statement

Jharkhand resident truck driver Arif, who was injured in the accident, gave details of the incident.

• Driver claims:
  He told that he was driving the truck at a speed of about 40 kilometers per hour. A car driving ahead of him suddenly applied brakes.
• Trying to handle the situation:
  “To save the car, I swerved towards the steering divider. But seeing the SUV coming from the front, I turned the truck to the other side, due to which the container fell and hit the SUV.”

Chain of events: cause of sudden break

Police officers investigating the accident revealed the probable cause of the accident.

• Car driver’s mistake:
  A blue car driving ahead of the truck suddenly slowed down.
  • Probably the driver was looking for a restaurant or an exit.
  • Due to his sudden braking, the truck behind had to apply brakes.
• Result of losing control:
  The truck lost control, crossed the divider and collided with the SUV.

Condition of SUV and death of family

The Volvo SUV was so badly damaged in the accident that it was difficult to recognize it.

• Purpose of visit:
  Chandram Yegapagol and his family were going to Vijayapura.
• Result:
  All six members of the family died on the spot in the accident.

Investigation of the accident through CCTV footage

Police have said that they are investigating the accident in depth and are scanning CCTV footage.

• Statement of the investigating officer:
  “We are investigating this accident under the supervision of a DSP level officer. Sharing any details at this time may affect the investigation.”
• Investigation into the causes of the incident:
  Police are trying to ascertain whether the accident was solely the driver’s fault or other factors also played a role in it.

Question on road safety

This accident highlights the high speed of vehicles and lack of safety measures on the National Highway.

• Question:
  • Should the dividers on the highway have been stronger?
  • Could the pressure on the truck caused by the sudden braking of the car be prevented?
• Need:
  • Better traffic management and enforcement of strict rules on the highway.