A tragic accident occurred on the Tirupati ghat road when a car carrying a family from Bengaluru veered off the road and plunged into a 15-foot gorge. A 72-year-old pilgrim lost his life, while five others, including two children, sustained injuries.

Key Takeaways

  • Fatal car accident on the first ghat road leading to Tirupati.
  • 72-year-old pilgrim from Bengaluru deceased.
  • Five family members, including two children, injured.
  • Driver fatigue suspected as the cause of the crash.

In a devastating incident on Friday, a car carrying a six-member pilgrim family from Karnataka plunged into a 15-foot gorge on the first ghat road leading to Tirupati. The accident has claimed the life of a 72-year-old elderly man from Bengaluru and left five other family members, including two children, injured.

Details of the Crash

The accident took place near the 22nd hairpin bend. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver of the vehicle reportedly dozed off at the wheel, causing the car to lose control, crash through the parapet wall, and plummet into the gorge. The family, hailing from Gottigere in Bengaluru, was returning home after completing their pilgrimage at the hill shrine.

Following the crash, the injured were rushed to the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), managed by the TTD in Tirupati. Tragically, the elderly pilgrim succumbed to his injuries while undergoing medical treatment.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that driving on steep, winding ghat roads requires extreme vigilance. The incident highlights the critical danger posed by driver fatigue, especially on routes with frequent hairpin bends where even a momentary lapse in concentration can lead to fatal consequences.

Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of accidents on mountainous terrains, necessitating mandatory rest stops for long-distance travelers.

Historical Background

The Tirumala ghat roads are vital arteries for millions of devotees visiting the Tirupati shrine annually. Due to the steep gradients and sharp curves, these roads are categorized as high-risk zones, requiring strict adherence to speed limits and driver alertness.

Did You Know?: The Tirumala hills are famous for their complex network of hairpin bends that demand specialized driving skills to navigate safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Where exactly did the accident occur?
Answer: The accident occurred near the 22nd hairpin bend on the first ghat road leading to Tirupati.

Question 2: Where are the injured being treated?
Answer: The injured family members are receiving treatment at the SVIMS hospital in Tirupati.