In a tragic road accident on Tuesday, a 36-year-old dancer, identified as Sudheendra, was killed after a truck rammed into him while he had parked his brand new car on the side of a highway to check for a mechanical snag.
According to police, the incident occurred near Pemmanahalli in Nelamangala taluk of Bengaluru Rural district. The victim, who had appeared in several popular television dance reality shows, had purchased a new Maruti Suzuki Eeco and was driving from Bengaluru to Tyamagondlu to show it to his brother.
Tragic crash caught on camera
A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows Sudheendra standing beside his car parked on the roadside when a truck can be seen approaching from a distance. For reasons yet to be determined, the truck suddenly veers towards the parked vehicle.
In the footage, Sudheendra appears to notice the truck moments before impact but is unable to move in time. The truck hits him side-on, crushing him between the two vehicles before turning sharply in an apparent attempt to avoid further damage.
The impact was fatal. Sudheendra was thrown onto the road and died on the spot due to severe injuries, officials confirmed.
Driver claims he fell asleep
Following the collision, the truck driver fled the scene but was arrested a few hours later by officials from the Dabaspete police station.
“The driver has said he fell asleep while driving. We are verifying the claim and investigating whether fatigue or negligence led to the crash,” a senior police officer said.
The driver has been booked under sections related to rash and negligent driving and causing death by negligence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The truck has been seized for forensic and mechanical examination.
Community mourns dancer’s death
News of Sudheendra’s death has left his friends, fans, and colleagues in shock. Known for his energetic performances and humble nature, he had been part of several local television dance competitions and was considered a rising name in the performance circuit.
Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes, with several co-artists and well-wishers expressing grief and calling for stricter enforcement of highway safety measures.
Highway safety concerns resurface
The accident has once again drawn attention to the alarming rise in highway accidents caused by drowsy or reckless driving. Experts have long warned that fatigue among truck drivers—often due to long working hours and lack of rest—remains a major cause of fatal crashes in India.
Authorities have urged motorists to use proper warning signals, hazard lights, and reflective markers when stopping on highways. Police are also reportedly examining whether adequate warning signs were placed at the accident site before the crash occurred.
Conclusion
Sudheendra’s tragic death underscores the dangers of highway halts and the devastating consequences of driver fatigue. As investigations continue, authorities stress that stronger road safety awareness and driver accountability are essential to prevent such needless loss of life.