'You can manufacture safe cars, but India...': Bengaluru IT firm CEO's death after container truck falls on Volvo SUV sparks debate online

The recent death of Bengaluru-based software company's CEO and five members of his family who died on the spot after a container truck toppled over and crashed on the roof of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) has sparked debate on road safety in the country.

The victims were Chandram Yegapagol, 48, the MD and CEO of IAST Software Solutions Private Limited, his wife Gaurabai, 42, their 16-year-old son Gyan, daughter Deeksha, 12, Yegapagol's sister-in-law Vijayalakshmi, 36, and her six-year-old daughter Arya, according to ToI.

Yegapagol and the others were heading to their hometown Sangli in Maharashtra in their new Volvo XC90 SUV, when the horrific accident happened around 11 am near Tippagondanahalli on the B'luru-Tumakuru stretch of the highway. "Chandram was driving responsibly and was not at fault," police told ToI.


Reaction on social media:
"Volvo XC90, renowned as one of the safest cars in the world, has recorded zero fatal crashes in UK since its launch in 2002. Imagine investing in this car for its unmatched safety, only to face a tragic end because a car in the opposite lane suddenly slows down, causing a container truck behind it to lose control, jump the divider, and crush you, your spouse, three kids, and a relative. Not the Volvo's fault, as any car would have crushed under such heavy weight—just an unfortunate twist of fate. Sad how death can find you in the most unexpected ways, even when you've done everything to stay safe," said user The Skin Doctor that has been viewed by over 1 million users.

Another user while reacting to the tragic death said "You can manufacture safe cars, but India will build the most unsafe roads, distribute driving licenses for a few hundred bucks, and let chaos reign on the highways. Every hour, 19 people die because of reckless driving, potholes, and a system that's more corrupt than a politician's promise. Indian roads are literally killing India's future."

"You buy a Volvo XC90, thinking it's your golden ticket to immortality. Then fate laughs in your face with a rogue container truck playing the ultimate game of "duck the ball" With the safest car in the market, but the road decides it's more of a death trap when a truck decides to jump the queue. It's like buying the best life jacket, only to drown because the pool decided to become a sinkhole. Moral of the story? Even with the best safety gear, sometimes the divine interventions, has other plans. And all the traffic rules in the world can't save you from the eventual death," said another user.