Three students from the Telugu states of India died in a car crash in Florida after the vehicle they were traveling in reportedly struck a tree. The students had moved to the U.S. for higher education and work.
The accident occurred on Interstate 95 in Brevard County, Florida, while the three were reportedly traveling to their part-time workplace.
One of the deceased was identified as Rahul, a native of the Navipet area in Nizamabad district, Telangana. He had moved to the U.S. around three years ago for higher education, according to his family. The other two were identified as Subramanyam Chaturvedula and G. Anil. There was no immediate confirmation of their hometowns.
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“All we want now is for my son’s mortal remains to reach us at the earliest. They are not letting anyone go near him as the investigation is still ongoing. A Telugu association is helping us in the US, but we also hope the state govt steps in and ensures that my son’s body is brought back,” said Hari Babu, Rahul’s father.
According to the family, Rahul had completed his master’s degree and stayed in the U.S. to pursue a Ph.D. His father said Rahul was reluctant to return to India because changes in immigration laws could make it difficult for him to return to the U.S.
“He used to call us every other day. Even on the day of his accident, he was on the phone with his mother for a while and ended the call after his friends arrived to pick him up for work. That was his last call,” Hari Babu said.
He said Rahul had also called his mother on Tuesday morning. “After a few minutes, he said his friends had arrived to pick him up and he disconnected. That was the last call,” he added.
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Officials of the Telugu Association of North America are in touch with Florida authorities to complete the formalities and repatriate the bodies.
Subramanyam and Anil were reportedly Rahul’s roommates. One was said to be from Nalgonda, Telangana, while the other was also from one of the Telugu states.
According to sources, a fourth person was in the vehicle when the crash occurred and is currently in police custody. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.