UK: 2 Indian students die in car crash in Essex on way back from Ganesha immersion, 5 injured

Two Indian students from Hyderabad died in a car crash in the UK earlier this week, while five others were injured in the accident, police officials have said. The mishap occurred in Essex on Monday night (September 1).

Two cars carrying nine students from India collided on the A130 dual carriageway at Rayleigh Spur roundabout as they were returning from Ganesh Nimmajanam celebrations.

The deceased have been identified as Chaitanya Tarre (23), who died at the scene, and Rishiteja Rapolu (21), who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The injured students were taken to Royal London Hospital, where two remain in critical condition. Sai Goutham Ravulla (30) is currently on a ventilator, while Nuthan Thatikayala has been left partially paralysed. Others receiving treatment include Yuva Teja Reddy Gurram, Vamshi Golla, and Venkata Sumanth Pentyala.

The police in Essex said that the drivers of the two cars, Gopichand Batamekala and Manohar Sabbani, have been taken into custody in connection with the collision. Meanwhile, family members of the deceased students have urged the Telangana and central governments to arrange the repatriation of the bodies.

Chaitanya, a native of Nadargul in Hyderabad, had completed his BTech and moved to London eight months ago to pursue higher studies. His parents, Ailayya and Mangamma, were devastated upon receiving news of his death late Monday night. That same evening, Rishiteja’s family in Boduppal was also informed of the tragic loss.