Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Hyderabad, Sept 2: Tragedy struck a group of Indian students in the UK as two youngsters from Hyderabad lost their lives and five others were injured in a horrific car crash in Essex on Monday night.

The accident took place at the Rayleigh Spur roundabout on the A130 dual carriageway, when two cars carrying nine students collided while returning from Ganesh Nimmajanam celebrations.

Chaitanya Tarre (23) died at the scene, while Rishiteja Rapolu (21) succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Five others were rushed to Royal London Hospital, where two remain in critical condition.

Among the injured, Sai Goutham Ravulla (30) is reportedly on ventilation, while Nuthan Thatikayala has been left partially paralysed. Yuva Teja Reddy Gurram, Vamshi Golla, and Venkata Sumanth Pentyala are also undergoing treatment.

The UK police have taken Gopichand Batamekala and Manohar Sabbani—who were reportedly driving the two vehicles—into custody for investigation.

All members of the group were students who had recently moved to the UK for higher studies. Most were aged between 20 and 23, except for Sai Goutham, who is 30.

Chaitanya, a BTech graduate from Nadargul, had only moved to London eight months ago to pursue his master’s. His parents, Ailayya and Mangamma, were devastated after receiving the tragic news late Monday night. Initially informed that he was in critical condition, the family later learned he had passed away.

The family of Rishiteja, from Boduppal near Hyderabad, also received the heartbreaking update the same night.

Both families have appealed to the Indian and Telangana governments for urgent assistance in repatriating the bodies.