In a split-second decision that could have ended in tragedy, international shooter Vikram Rathore narrowly escaped a horrific collision on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway late last night. Driving his Toyota Fortuner at excessive speed, Rathore swerved abruptly into another lane to avoid an oncoming truck, missing it by mere inches as sparks flew from the vehicles' sides scraping together. The 28-year-old Olympian, known for his precision in the 10m air pistol event, credited his "shooter’s instincts" for the daring maneuver that saved his life.
The incident unfolded around 11 PM when Rathore, returning from a training camp in Uttar Pradesh, was clocked by highway patrol cameras exceeding 140 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. Eyewitnesses reported the Fortuner weaving through traffic before the sudden lane change, prompted by the truck driver’s alleged failure to signal while merging. Dashcam footage circulating on social media shows the heart-pounding near-miss, with the truck's massive grille looming large in the SUV's windshield before Rathore's evasive action.
Rathore, a silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a rising star in India's shooting circuit, was unharmed but visibly shaken. Police impounded the Fortuner for investigation, issuing him a challan for speeding and reckless driving under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The truck driver, identified as Rajesh Kumar from Ghaziabad, faces charges for negligent driving, with both vehicles sustaining minor damage.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Rathore recounted the ordeal: "It was like aiming under pressure at the finals—focus and reaction time made all the difference. Indian roads demand the same precision as the shooting range." His coach, who was following in another vehicle, confirmed Rathore had been fatigued after a long day but emphasized the shooter's quick reflexes honed through years of elite training.
This close call underscores the perilous state of India's highways, where speeding and poor lane discipline contribute to over 1.5 lakh fatalities annually, according to National Crime Records Bureau data. Experts call for stricter enforcement of speed limits and better driver training, especially for high-profile athletes whose endorsements often glamorize high-speed driving. Rathore's team has urged fans to prioritize road safety over thrill-seeking.
As investigations continue, the shooting fraternity rallies behind Rathore, with the National Rifle Association of India issuing a statement praising his composure. The episode serves as a stark reminder that even champions aren't invincible behind the wheel, prompting renewed calls for awareness campaigns targeting India's burgeoning class of SUV owners.
