BENGALURU: A tragic road accident on National Highway 48 near Nelamangala, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, has led to widespread discussions on road safety. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, claimed the lives of six family members, including prominent tech CEO Chandrayagappa Gaul. The family was traveling in a Volvo SUV when a container truck overturned and crashed into their vehicle, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life.
The truck, carrying heavy aluminum pillars, lost control while attempting to avoid a collision with another vehicle. Traveling at high speed, the truck crossed the median and fell onto the Volvo SUV heading towards Tumakuru. The truck then collided with a tempo before coming to a halt, though the damage to the tempo was minimal. CCTV footage capturing the truck falling on the Volvo has been shared as part of the police investigation.
The deceased have been identified as Chandrayagappa Gaul (48), his wife Gaurabai (42), and their relatives Vijayalakshmi (36), John (16), Deeksha (12), and Arya (6). The family was en route to Vijayapura at the time of the accident.
Chandrayagappa Gaul, a well-respected CEO and managing director of IAST Software Solutions, had a strong educational background with degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from GPT Gulbarga and NITK Surathkal. Eyewitnesses claimed the truck driver lost control while trying to avoid a car that suddenly stopped in front of him.
The accident has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many users pointing out that while vehicles like Volvo are known for their safety features, no car can withstand the force of a heavy container truck. There are calls for stronger regulations and enforcement of road safety measures, particularly around truck parking and lane discipline.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently acknowledged the rise in road accidents, stating that the country has not made enough progress in reducing the number of fatalities. According to government data, over 1.78 lakh people died in road accidents last year, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
