Bengaluru: A major serial accident involving nearly ten vehicles, including a truck, lorry, car and taxi, was reported near Kodigenahalli on the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) flyover on Thursday, causing massive traffic disruption along the busy stretch. The chain collision created panic among commuters, particularly those heading toward the airport for morning flights.
Sudden braking triggers chain reaction
According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred when one vehicle abruptly braked, causing several vehicles behind it to crash into one another within seconds. The high-density traffic and fast-moving vehicles on the elevated corridor amplified the impact, resulting in a domino effect that left multiple vehicles damaged and scattered across the flyover.
Eyewitnesses said the crash unfolded so quickly that many drivers did not have time to react, leading to a near-instantaneous pile-up.
Traffic brought to a standstill
The multi-vehicle collision led to severe congestion, with traffic remaining stuck for several kilometres in both directions. As airport-bound traffic slowed to a crawl, passengers expressed concern about missing flights, while regular commuters found themselves stranded amid the chaos.
The accident site also witnessed long queues of vehicles as police struggled to divert traffic through alternate routes.
Emergency response underway
Traffic police and emergency teams rushed to the location immediately after receiving information about the incident. Personnel began clearing debris, assessing vehicle damage and ensuring that no secondary accidents occurred due to stalled traffic on the flyover.
Authorities are also checking for injuries and assisting medical responders where required. Tow trucks have been deployed to remove the damaged vehicles and restore movement on the stretch.
Advisory issued for commuters
In the wake of the pile-up, Bengaluru Traffic Police urged commuters to exercise extreme caution on high-speed corridors such as the airport flyover. Officers cautioned that sudden braking, distracted driving and overspeeding significantly increase the risk of serial collisions.
They advised motorists to maintain safe distances between vehicles, drive slowly and stay alert — even if it adds a few minutes to travel time. Police stressed that safe driving habits can prevent large-scale accidents like the one witnessed today.
Efforts ongoing to restore normal traffic flow
As of late morning, clearing operations were still underway. Police expect traffic to normalise gradually once all damaged vehicles are removed and the road is inspected for safety.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of major flyovers and express routes to chain accidents, especially during peak travel hours.