At least six Indian-origin family members, including two children, were tragically killed in a fatal crash in the US state of Texas. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when a minivan and a pickup truck collided head-on near Johnson County, close to Fort Worth. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) stated that the accident took place on US Highway 67 near County Road1119.
The minivan was occupied by seven members of the same family, with only one survivor, 43-year-old Lokesh Potabathula, who is in critical condition. The driver of the minivan, identified as 28-year-old Rushil Barri of Irving, was among the deceased victims. The other five victims, all from Alpharetta, Georgia, were Naveena Potabathula (36), Nageswararao Ponnad (64), Sitamahalakshmi Ponnada (60), Krithik Potabathula (10), and Nishidha Potabathula (9).
It was revealed that the elderly victims were visiting their daughter Naveena and grandchildren from India. The Consulate General stated that the elderly couple were the parents of Naveena and the grandparents of Karthik and Nishita.
According to investigators from the DPS, the pickup truck was traveling southbound on US Highway 67 while the minivan was heading north in the same area. The pickup truck entered the northbound lane, which was marked as a no-passing zone, resulting in a devastating head-on collision with the minivan.
The two occupants of the pickup truck, both 17-year-old boys, survived the crash but suffered critical injuries. They were immediately transported to Fort Worth hospitals for treatment. The DPS is collaborating with the Georgia State Police to identify and inform the next-of-kin of the deceased victims.
This tragic accident has cast a somber mood over the communities affected by the loss of these six Indian-origin family members. The circumstances surrounding the collision will be investigated thoroughly to determine the exact cause.
Local authorities have expressed their condolences to the relatives and friends impacted by the tragedy. The tight-knit Indian community in Texas and Georgia is mourning the loss of their loved ones. Support systems have been put in place to offer assistance and comfort during this difficult time.
The news of this devastating crash serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices. It highlights the need for drivers to be vigilant on the roads, obey traffic regulations, and exercise caution at all times.
As investigations continue, our thoughts are with Lokesh Potabathula and the extended family affected by this heartbreaking incident. May the departed souls rest in peace, and may the survivors find strength and healing in the face of this unimaginable loss.
