Two students from Hyderabad lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the United Kingdom. The incident took place in Essex when a group of students was returning after Ganesh Visarjan celebrations.

According to local reports, two cars carrying students collided at the Rayleigh Spur roundabout on the A130 Dual Carriageway. In the accident, 23-year-old Chaitanya Tarre from Nadargul died on the spot, while 21-year-old Rishiteja Rapolu from Boduppal passed away during treatment at a hospital.

Both were pursuing higher studies in London. Chaitanya had moved to the UK just eight months ago for his Master’s degree after completing his B.Tech.

Along with the two victims, nine students were injured in the crash. Five of them were taken to the Royal London Hospital. Among them, Sai Goutham Ravulla (30) is on ventilation, while Nuthan Thatikayala has been left partially paralysed.

The others injured include Yuva Teja Reddy Gurram, Vamshi Golla, and Venkata Sumanth Pentyala, who are all receiving treatment.

The two students who were driving the cars at the time of the collision, Gopichand Batamekala and Manohar Sabbani, have been taken into custody by the UK police. Authorities have begun an investigation to find out how the accident happened.

The news reached the victims’ families in Hyderabad. Chaitanya’s parents, Ailayya and Mangamma, were first told that their son was critical, but hours later, they received confirmation of his death. They were left inconsolable.

Rishiteja’s family in Boduppal was also heartbroken upon hearing the news.

Both families have appealed to the state and central governments to help bring the bodies back to Hyderabad quickly so that the final rites can be performed.