New Delhi, January 9: In the aftermath of a tragic accident involving their trial electric vehicle (EV) in Uttarakhand’s Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Bengaluru-based electric vehicle startup Pravaig Dynamics expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The accident, which occurred during a vehicle demonstration, resulted in four fatalities, including two forest rangers, and left a woman warden missing.
Ashbin Biju, a mechanical engineer who was driving the EV during the trial, asserted that he was neither intoxicated nor fatigued at the time of the accident. According to Biju, the vehicle, on its second demonstration run, was overloaded with nine passengers, exceeding its seating capacity of eight. Despite his reluctance, he was urged by forest officials to accelerate beyond the planned range for the demonstration.
Biju recounted how he initially resisted the demands to accelerate but eventually gave in to pressure from an officer, resulting in the vehicle quickly reaching a speed of 70 kmph. The accident occurred due to a tyre burst, causing the vehicle to lose control and collide with an embankment wall.
The company, in its statement, confirmed the incident and the casualties, emphasizing that there were no fire or other safety incidents in the vehicle, which was involved in a high-speed side-impact crash. Pravaig Dynamics is currently cooperating with investigating agencies and distributors to gather more details about the accident.
The company emphasized its commitment to safety and expressed its condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy. Further updates and a detailed investigation report are expected as the inquiry into the incident continues.
