Seven people lost their lives in a horrific multi-vehicle crash on the outskirts of Bengaluru in the early hours of Thursday.
Police said the accident occurred between 4.30 am and 4.50 am when a Mahindra XUV700, allegedly being driven at high speed, was heading from Hoskote towards Devanahalli. The SUV reportedly rammed into a motorcycle from behind. The rider, identified as Gagan, was thrown off the bike and died on the spot after hitting the roadside barrier.
After hitting the bike, the driver of the SUV is believed to have lost control. The vehicle crashed into the divider, overturned, and then slammed into a canter truck. The impact caused the truck to topple onto its side.
Moments later, a Maruti Brezza coming from behind crashed into the rear portion of the overturned truck, worsening the pile-up.
Visuals from the scene showed extensive damage to all vehicles involved. The front portion of the XUV was badly mangled and was seen partly mounted on the divider, with its roof almost torn off. The motorcycle was completely damaged. The canter truck lay on its side, its rear wheels detached due to the force of the collision. The Brezza also suffered major damage to its front end.
Police said six people travelling in the SUV died at the scene. All were residents of Bengaluru and were on their way to Devanahalli. Two of the deceased have been identified as Ashwin and Karan Ali, while the identities of the others are yet to be confirmed.
Family members said Ashwin had stepped out with friends without informing his mother, who believed he was at home. A security guard later told her he had left in a car. When she tried calling his phone, police answered and informed her about the accident.
Ashwin Nair was a student at RV PU College. Initial information suggests that several occupants of the SUV may have been students of the same institution.
Gagan, the motorcycle rider, was a resident of Devanahalli and worked at a factory. According to his uncle Devaraj, he was the sole breadwinner of the family. His mother is visually impaired, and he was his parents’ only son.
All the bodies have been shifted to Hoskote Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Police suspect overspeeding to be the primary cause of the crash. A case has been registered and further investigation is in progress.