KKN Gurugram Desk | In a devastating incident on the Bilaspur-Raipur highway, a 31-year-old businessman lost his life, and two others sustained serious injuries when their speeding Toyota Innova overturned multiple times. The accident occurred after the driver opened the car door to spit gutkha while driving at over 100 km/h, leading to a loss of control and a fatal crash.

Incident Overview

The accident took place near the Gurunanak Dhaba, close to the Bilaspur High Court, in the early hours of Monday, June 2, 2025. The driver, identified as Akash Chandani, was reportedly attempting to spit gutkha out of the moving vehicle when he opened the driver’s side door. This reckless action caused the vehicle to become unstable, leading it to collide with the road divider and flip multiple times.

Victim Details

The deceased, Jackie Gehi, was a cloth merchant from Chakarbhatha, Bilaspur. He had attended a late-night party and called his friend, Akash Chandani, for a ride home. Akash arrived with another friend, Pankaj Chhabra. Jackie sat in the back seat, while Pankaj occupied the front passenger seat.

During the drive, Akash opened the door to spit gutkha, causing the vehicle to lose balance. The car hit the divider, overturned several times, and collided with a parked commercial vehicle and a stationary Maruti Ertiga. The impact was so severe that all three occupants were ejected from the vehicle. Jackie was thrown into a roadside metal pole, sustaining fatal injuries to his chest, head, and shoulders, and died on the spot.

Injuries and Medical Response

Both Akash and Pankaj suffered serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver of the Maruti Ertiga, who was inside the vehicle at the time of the collision, also sustained injuries. Emergency responders arrived promptly after bystanders alerted authorities, and the injured were provided with immediate medical assistance.

Investigation and Legal Action

CCTV footage captured the harrowing sequence of events, showing the vehicle flipping across the road and a passenger being hurled into a pole. The police have cordoned off the accident site and are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Authorities have emphasized the dangers of distracted and reckless driving behavior, especially at high speeds, and are considering appropriate legal action against the driver.

Road Safety Awareness

This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to safe driving practices. Opening car doors while the vehicle is in motion, especially at high speeds, poses significant risks not only to the occupants but also to other road users. Drivers are urged to refrain from engaging in any activities that could distract them or compromise vehicle control.

Authorities recommend the following safety measures:

• Avoid Distractions: Do not engage in activities like eating, drinking, or using mobile phones while driving.

• Maintain Vehicle Control: Keep both hands on the steering wheel and avoid unnecessary movements that could destabilize the vehicle.

• Use Designated Stops: If necessary, pull over safely to the side of the road to attend to personal needs.

• Adhere to Speed Limits: Driving within the prescribed speed limits allows for better control and reaction time.