Indian Students Killed In UK Car Crash While Returning From Ganesh Visarjan

Two students from India were killed in a road accident in the United Kingdom on Monday.

The incident took place in Essex, when the students were returning after participating in Ganesh Visarjan celebrations. According to local reports, a vehicle that the students were travelling in collided with another -- also occupied by students -- on the A130 Dual Carriageway at the Rayleigh Spur roundabout.

Nine students were injured in the accident.

Among the victims were Chaitanya Tarre (23) from Nadargul and Rishiteja Rapolu (21) from Boduppal -- both in Hyderabad.

Chaitanya, who moved to London just eight months ago to pursue his Master's degree after completing his BTech, died on the spot. Rishiteja died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Five students were admitted to the Royal London Hospital following the crash. Among them, Sai Goutham Ravulla (30) is on ventilation, while Nuthan Thatikayala has been left partially paralysed.

The other injured students, Yuva Teja Reddy Gurram, Vamshi Golla, and Venkata Sumanth Pentyala, are also undergoing treatment. 

The two students who were driving the cars involved in the collision, Gopichand Batamekala and Manohar Sabbani, have been taken into custody by UK police. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the accident.

News of the tragedy reached the families in Hyderabad late Monday night. Chaitanya's parents, Ailayya and Mangamma, were inconsolable upon hearing of their son's death. Initially, the family was told he was in critical condition, but a few hours later, they received confirmation of his death.

Rishiteja's family in Boduppal was similarly heartbroken upon receiving the news. 

The grieving families have appealed to both the central and state governments to expedite the repatriation of the bodies so that the final rites can be performed in Hyderabad.