MD of IAST Software Solutions and Family Killed in Fatal Accident on NH-48 – Volvo XC90 was latest model bought in October 2024
In a devastating road accident near Nelamangala on the Bengaluru-Tumakuru highway (NH-48) on Saturday morning, six members of a family, including Chandram Yegapagol, Managing Director of IAST Software Solutions, lost their lives when a container lorry toppled onto their Volvo SUV. The incident occurred at around 11 am near Thippagondanahalli and has sent shockwaves through Chandram’s native village and the tech community in Bengaluru.
How the Accident Happened
The tragic incident unfolded when an Eicher Canter truck was traveling towards Tumakuru from Bengaluru, followed by Chandram’s Volvo XC90 SUV. A speeding container lorry heading towards Bengaluru lost control, climbed over the median, and collided with the Canter. The impact caused the container to topple, falling directly onto the Volvo SUV, completely crushing it. All six occupants in the car died on the spot, while the drivers of the Canter and the lorry sustained minor injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.
The deceased have been identified as: Chandram Yegapagol (48), MD of IAST Software Solutions; Gourabai Yegapagol (42), his wife; Gyan Yegapagol (16), his son; Deeksha Yegapagol (12), his daughter; Arya Yegapagol (6), his daughter; Vijayalakshmi (36), his sister-in-law.
The family was traveling from Bengaluru to their hometown of Morabagi village in Jat taluka, Sangli district, Maharashtra, to celebrate the Christmas holidays. Chandram’s elderly parents, Eragonda and Jakkavva, who were also en route to their village at the time of the incident, have yet to be informed of the tragedy.
Impact and Investigations
The accident has once again highlighted the dangers of speeding and the lack of safety infrastructure on Indian highways. The Nelamangala Traffic Police have registered a case and are investigating the sequence of events leading to the accident. Preliminary reports indicate that the container lorry’s driver lost control, resulting in the fatal crash.
This accident underscores the vulnerability of even high-end vehicles like the Volvo XC90 in extreme situations. Experts point out that no vehicle can withstand the force of a heavy container falling directly on it. The incident has sparked renewed discussions on the urgent need for stricter traffic regulations, improved road infrastructure, and preventive measures to avoid such catastrophic accidents.
The loss of Chandram Yegapagol and his family is a grim reminder of the unpredictability of road safety and the devastating consequences of negligence on highways.
