• Source:JND
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A tragic crash near Bengaluru on the Nelmangala-Tumkuru highway claimed six lives, highlighting a critical issue: even the safest cars may not protect passengers if the roads themselves are hazardous. The victims were in a Volvo XC90, widely regarded as one of the safest SUVs, when a container truck jumped the divider and collided with their vehicle. The impact left the family members, including Chandram Yegapagol (48), his wife Gourabai (42), their children Gyan (16) and Deeksha (12), along with his sister-in-law Vijayalakshmi (36) and her daughter Arya (6), all dead.Chandram, the CEO of IAST Software Solutions, had bought the vehicle only two months prior, believing in its high safety standards. Despite the advanced technology in the Volvo, the severity of the crash underscored the need for safer road infrastructure. The crash occurred on a stretch known for traffic accidents, raising concerns about road design, barriers, and enforcement of traffic rules.

The container truck driver, Arif, sustained injuries in the crash. He explained that a car in front of him suddenly braked, causing him to brake as well. However, the truck continued moving, forcing him to steer right to avoid the car. This manoeuvre caused the truck to jump the divider, hitting a milk truck before colliding with the Volvo.

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Tragic Volvo Crash Sparks Demand For Improved Road Regulations, Safety Measure

Proper road maintenance, effective traffic regulations, and better road designs are crucial to preventing such tragedies in the future.DriveSmart, a safe driving advocacy group, shared images of the wreckage from the tragic crash, emphasising that road safety requires more than just safe cars. While Volvo cars are known for their advanced safety features, experts highlighted that no vehicle can withstand the force of a heavily loaded container truck. 

“This pic is a reminder that being safer on the road is not achieved by a safer car alone. All the passengers in this Volvo lost lives in this car which supposedly went through all types of testing,” DriveSmart wrote in a post on X.

The incident has sparked growing calls for Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to enforce stricter road safety regulations.

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Social media users have pointed out that while Volvo cars are known for their safety, no vehicle can withstand the weight of a heavy container truck. Some users have called on the government to improve road safety, with one commenting on the poor state of Bangalore's roads, highlighting issues such as incomplete service roads.