Horrific Accident in Bengaluru: Tech CEO Among 6 Family Members Crushed to Death After Container Falls on Car
In a tragic incident on Saturday, a 46-year-old tech firm CEO and five members of his family lost their lives when a container truck fell on their car near Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The accident, which occurred around 11 am, claimed the lives of Chandram Yegapagol, managing director and CEO of IAST Software Solutions Pvt Ltd, and his family members, including his wife, two children, sister-in-law, and niece.
Accident Details
The family was en route to their native village in Maharashtra’s Sangli district for the Christmas holidays and to visit Yegapagol’s ailing father. Their Volvo XC90, purchased just two months ago, was struck by a speeding container truck carrying several tonnes of aluminum pillars. The truck lost control, swerved across the median, and toppled onto the car, killing all six passengers instantly.
The accident occurred on the national highway a few kilometers from Begur. Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver lost control while attempting to avoid a collision with another vehicle. The truck, after crushing the car, also hit a tempo, though no major injuries were reported from the latter incident. The horrifying crash was captured on CCTV, which is now being analyzed by police.
#Breaking near #Bengaluru!
— TOI Bengaluru (@TOIBengaluru) December 21, 2024
Six persons including two children were killed when a container truck toppled and fell on their #Volvo car near #Nelamangala on NH48. The victims were on their way to Vijayapura for vacation when the #accident took place. pic.twitter.com/WEsztv0JOB
Investigation Underway
A case has been registered against the truck driver, who survived the crash and is currently hospitalized. Bengaluru Rural SP CK Baba has appointed DySP (Nelamangala) to lead the investigation.
Legacy of the Deceased
Yegapagol, a graduate of NITK Surathkal, had a distinguished career working with global companies such as Robert Bosch Engineering, KPIT Technologies, and Great Wall Motor in China before founding IAST Software Solutions in 2018. Headquartered in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout, the company has over 100 skilled engineers and operates internationally, with subsidiaries in Shanghai and strategic partners in France and Japan.
Family members recounted their last interactions with Yegapagol, who had spoken to them just 30 minutes before the accident. “He said they were nearing Tumakuru. That was the last time we heard from them,” shared a grieving relative.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic accident has left both the tech and local communities in shock. Yegapagol’s contributions to the tech industry and his recent business expansion to Pune underscored his commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.
