Vadodara Car Crash: Law Student Blames Airbags for Loss of Control, Admits to Consuming Bhaang

Vadodara: A tragic accident in Vadodara claimed the life of one woman and left several others injured after a car driven by a 20-year-old law student rammed into multiple vehicles and pedestrians. The driver told police that he lost control of the vehicle after the airbags deployed, obstructing his vision.

The incident occurred when the student and his friend were returning from Dera Circle after dropping off another friend with whom they had attended Holika Dahan celebrations. “We were ahead of a scooty, turning right when we hit a pothole. A scooty and a car were parked near the turn, and our car touched the scooter, causing the airbags to deploy. After that, I couldn’t see where the car went,” he said, claiming the vehicle was moving at 50-60 kmph at the time.

Initially denying any intoxication, the driver later admitted to consuming bhaang (cannabis). Expressing remorse, he requested to meet the victims’ families, stating, “I was told that one woman died, and others were injured. It’s my fault, and whatever the family wants should happen.”

A viral video from the crash site in Vadodara’s Karelibaug area showed the car colliding with multiple vehicles at a busy intersection. The deceased was identified as Hemaliben Patel, while the injured included 12-year-old Jaini, 35-year-old Nishaben, an unidentified 10-year-old girl, and a 40-year-old man.

Footage from the scene captured the driver’s friend emerging from the car in distress, while the driver, appearing unstable, shouted incoherent phrases, including “Another round” and “Om Namah Shivay.”

Vadodara Joint Commissioner of Police Leena Patil confirmed that the driver was under the influence and had been taken into custody. Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar stated that at least three vehicles, including an electric vehicle, were involved in the collision.