Class 10 Student Driving at 160 KMph: Crashes and Kills 7 on Highway
Two separate accidents in Bengaluru and Delhi involving underage drivers and overspeeding killed eight young people, sparking nationwide anger and fresh concerns over road safety.
A heartbreaking road accident near Bengaluru, Karnataka, and another similar case in Delhi have once again raised serious concerns about underage driving and overspeeding in India.
On 13 February 2026, around 4:30 am, a Mahindra XUV700 carrying six college boys aged between 16 and 18 crashed on the Hoskote–Dobbaspet National Highway near M. Satyavara village, close to Bengaluru. The SUV first hit a motorcycle from the front and then rammed into a truck. All six boys in the SUV died on the spot, along with the 24-year-old biker, Gagan.
The boys had left their homes quietly around 3 am without informing their parents. They had eaten biryani together and were heading for an early-morning drive to Nandi Hills. Police said the SUV was being driven by a minor who did not have a driving licence and was overspeeding at around 150–160 km/h. Dense fog also reduced visibility, and the driver reportedly lost control.
Gagan, the biker who lost his life, was returning home after finishing his night shift at a private company. He was the only earning member of his family and took care of his visually impaired mother. His family described him as the pillar of their home.
After hitting the motorcycle, the SUV crashed into a small truck with such force that the truck’s axle broke and a tyre flew onto the road, causing the truck to flip. A Brezza car coming from behind hit the loose tyre, but the four passengers inside escaped without major injuries.
The six students who died were Ashwin Nair (17), Arhan Sharif (16), Ayaan Ali (17), Bharat (17), Farhan (18), and Ethan George (17). They were studying in colleges on Hennur Main Road in Bengaluru. The SUV was registered in the name of Ayaan Ali’s father.
Many parents came to know about the tragedy only after police called them to identify their children’s bodies at Hoskote Government Hospital. Some parents had believed their sons were at home studying. Police said overspeeding, an underage driver, poor visibility, and reckless behaviour caused the accident. Action may also be taken against the SUV owner for allowing a minor to drive.
Just days earlier, on 3 February in Delhi, another accident involving a 17-year-old driver claimed the life of 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra. Sahil, a final-year BBA student, was set to begin his Master’s degree at the University of Manchester, UK, in September 2026. He was the only child and was working part-time to support his mother.
The accident took place near Lal Bahadur Shastri College when a speeding SUV, driven by a minor, collided head-on with Sahil’s bike. He was declared dead at the spot. The minor driver was presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and later granted interim bail to appear for his Class 10 board exams.
A video from inside the SUV went viral, showing the car speeding moments before the crash. Sahil’s mother later posted an emotional video on social media, asking parents not to give vehicles to underage children. She also claimed that the viral clip was trimmed and did not show the full accident.
Both incidents have sparked public anger and renewed debate over strict action against underage driving and irresponsible behaviour on Indian roads.
