Volvo Crash That Killed Bengaluru CEO and Family Raises Questions About Road Safety

Bengaluru: A tragic accident on the Nelamangala-Tumakuru highway near Bengaluru claimed the lives of six members of a family, including Chandram Yegapagol, the CEO and Managing Director of IAST Software Solutions. The crash, involving a Volvo XC90—a vehicle renowned for its advanced safety features—has reignited concerns about the interplay of safe cars, road conditions, and driving behavior.

The victims, identified as Chandram (48), his wife Gourabai (42), son Gyan (16), daughter Deeksha (12), sister-in-law Vijayalakshmi (36), and niece Arya (6), were traveling to Sangli, Maharashtra, to visit Chandram’s father. The SUV was crushed by a heavily loaded container truck that jumped the highway divider.

Police confirmed that Chandram, who had purchased the Volvo just two months ago, was driving responsibly and was not at fault. According to Arif, the truck driver who sustained injuries, the accident occurred when a car ahead of him braked suddenly. In an attempt to avoid the car, Arif swerved to the right, causing the truck to cross the divider, collide with a milk truck, and finally crush the Volvo.

The container truck was carrying aluminum, making it difficult to stop abruptly due to its weight. Senior police officer CK Baba reported that six cranes were required to lift the truck off the crushed vehicle to retrieve the victims’ bodies.

Arif has been booked for rash driving and death by negligence. The accident has sparked widespread discussion on social media about road safety, with many users emphasizing that even the safest cars cannot ensure survival on dangerous roads.

A prominent road safety advocacy account, DriveSmart, shared visuals of the accident site, stating, “This is a stark reminder that safety on the road requires Safe Roads + Safe Driver + Safe Car. All three are essential. Even the safest car like this Volvo couldn’t save lives in this tragic incident.”

The incident has also prompted calls for stricter road safety regulations. Social media users have urged Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to address issues such as better enforcement of speed limits, enhanced training for heavy vehicle drivers, and improved road infrastructure.