Bengaluru: Seven people were killed in a major multi-vehicle collision on the outskirts of the city in the early hours of Thursday after an allegedly overspeeding SUV triggered a chain crash involving a motorcycle, a goods canter truck and a car. Police said six occupants of the SUV and a motorcycle rider died in the incident, while multiple vehicles were left mangled in the pile-up.
Overspeeding SUV hit motorcycle from behind
According to preliminary police findings, the accident occurred between 4:30 am and 4:50 am on a highway stretch between Hoskote and Devanahalli. An allegedly overspeeding SUV — identified as a Mahindra XUV700 — was travelling towards Devanahalli when it rammed into a motorcycle from behind.
The impact was severe and flung the rider, identified as Gagan, off the two-wheeler. He struck the roadside barrier and died on the spot due to the force of the collision. His motorcycle sustained extensive damage.
Police said the victim was a factory worker and the sole earning member of his family. Family sources stated that his mother is visually impaired and dependent on him. He was the only son of his parents.
SUV overturned after hitting divider and truck
Following the initial collision with the motorcycle, the SUV driver is believed to have lost control of the vehicle. Investigators said the SUV swerved, crashed into the road divider and overturned.
The out-of-control vehicle then rammed into a canter truck moving along the same stretch. Due to the impact, the truck also toppled onto its side, with parts of it remaining across the roadway and blocking lanes.
Visuals from the accident spot showed the SUV with its front portion badly crushed and partly mounted on the divider. The roof and side sections were heavily damaged, indicating the intensity of the crash forces involved.
Car rams into overturned truck, pile-up worsens
As the rear portion of the overturned truck remained on the carriageway, another car approaching from behind — identified as a Maruti Suzuki Brezza — crashed into it, adding to the pile-up.
The Brezza suffered major front-end damage. By then, debris from multiple vehicles was scattered across the road, creating a hazardous scene and briefly disrupting traffic movement.
Police and emergency teams rushed to the location after receiving alerts from passing motorists. Rescue and clearance operations were launched immediately.
Six SUV occupants die on the spot
Police confirmed that six occupants travelling in the SUV died at the scene. All were residents of the city and were reportedly heading towards Devanahalli at the time of the crash.
Two of the deceased have been identified as Ashwin and Karan Ali. Authorities said the identities of the remaining victims are being verified and families are being informed.
According to relatives, Ashwin had left home with friends without informing his mother, who believed he was inside the house. A security guard later told her he had gone out in a car. When she tried calling his phone, police answered and informed her about the fatal accident.
Sources said Ashwin Nair was a student of RV PU College, and preliminary information suggests that several others in the SUV may also have been students of the same institution.
Bodies shifted, case registered
All the bodies of the victims were shifted to the Hoskote Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police have registered a case and begun a detailed investigation into the crash.
Forensic teams are examining skid marks, vehicle damage patterns and possible mechanical factors. Overspeeding by the SUV is currently suspected to be the primary cause of the accident, though officials said other angles — including driver condition and road factors — will also be examined.
Overspeeding and fatigue under scanner
Investigators are analysing whether driver fatigue, distraction or impairment contributed to the loss of control. CCTV footage from nearby toll points and road cameras is also being reviewed to trace vehicle movement and speed before the crash.
Road safety experts note that early morning hours often see reduced traffic but higher speeding, which increases crash severity when collisions occur. Multi-vehicle pile-ups are especially dangerous because secondary impacts multiply casualties and damage.
Police have urged motorists to maintain speed discipline, especially on high-speed corridors, and to remain alert for two-wheelers and slow-moving vehicles ahead.
Further legal action will follow based on the investigation findings.