Indian founder Kuldeep Dhankar had a harrowing experience when his car was rear-ended while stuck in traffic on the I-5 highway in the United States. Dhankar, the founder of Last9.io, shared the shocking details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for his safety and the swift response that followed.
Dhankar wrote, “Got rear-ended by a car while we were at standstill in traffic, on the I-5 yesterday. The car behind was probably a total loss. (We are perfectly safe). Apple Watch detected that we were in a crash and auto-called 911, and there was an officer on the scene within minutes. We were able to leave in 30 minutes and got to our destination safe. So impressed by Apple Watch and California Highway Patrol. Also thankful. Very thankful.”
The post included an image of the crashed vehicle on the highway, with a police officer present at the scene. The prompt response from both the Apple Watch’s crash detection feature and the California Highway Patrol played a vital role in ensuring Dhankar’s safety, allowing him to continue his journey with minimal delay.
Got rear ended by a car while we were at standstill in traffic, on the I-5 yesterday. the car behind was probably a total loss. (we are perfectly safe)
Apple watch detected that we were in a crash and auto called 911 and there was an officer on the scene with in minutes. we… pic.twitter.com/MpozBcwUTQ
— kuldeep (@ku1deep) December 2, 2024
While Dhankar’s story ended on a positive note, a tragic event unfolded earlier in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district. Three individuals lost their lives after their car, reportedly following Google Maps for directions, plunged off an under-construction bridge into a river. The victims, identified as Vivek and Amit, were traveling from Gurugram to Bareilly to attend a wedding when the accident occurred.
Reports suggest that the GPS led the car directly to an incomplete flyover, and as the vehicle continued onto the bridge, it fell 50 feet into the Ramganga River. Local residents discovered the wreckage the following morning, and police soon arrived at the scene. Tragically, all three men were confirmed dead.
Authorities have taken the bodies for post-mortem, with two victims identified as Amit and Vivek. The identity of the third individual is still under investigation. The police have confirmed that the vehicle was likely a hired taxi.
While Dhankar’s experience highlights the life-saving potential of modern technology, the Bareilly tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for caution and awareness when navigating unfamiliar roads.
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