The BRICS TimesEssex Police have taken into custody both drivers of the cars involved in the collision under suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.
Two young Indian students, Chaitanya Tarre and Rishi Teja Rapolu, lost their lives in a tragic vehicle collision in the United Kingdom on Monday. Five other individuals sustained injuries in the same incident.
As reported by Essex Police, the crash occurred on the A130 at the Rayleigh Spur roundabout a little after 4:15 am local time. The students were understood to be on their way back from partaking in Ganesh Visarjan festivities.
Tarre, aged 23, and Rapolu, aged 21, were both natives of Boduppal in Hyderabad, Telangana. Sources indicate that Tarre had relocated to London merely eight months prior to commence his Master’s degree studies. Authorities confirmed that Tarre died instantly at the scene, while Rapolu later passed away in the hospital while receiving medical care.
The five other injured students have been named as Sai Goutham Ravulla, Nuthan Thatikayala, Yuva Teja Reddy Gurram, Vamshi Golla, and Venkata Sumanth Pentyala. Goutham is currently on ventilator support, Nuthan has suffered partial paralysis, and the remaining three are continuing to receive treatment for their injuries.
Essex Police further verified the arrest of the two drivers, aged 23 and 24, operating the vehicles involved in the fatal collision. They have been named in reports as Gopichand Batamekala and Manohar Sabbani.
Both individuals were detained on grounds of suspected dangerous driving resulting in fatalities and critical injuries.
Subsequently, police relayed that the two drivers have been granted bail and are scheduled to appear in court on November 20. The investigation into the circumstances of the collision remains active and ongoing.
In response to the event, the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK released an official statement expressing profound sorrow at the passing of Tarre and Rapolu.
The statement, shared on NISAU’s official Instagram account, expressed, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Essex, UK, which involved nine students from the Telugu community. This accident has regrettably taken the lives of two young students, Chaitanya Tarre and Rishi Teja Rapolu.”
It continued, “We extend our deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones as they navigate this immensely challenging period.”
The organization also mentioned that the students currently receiving medical care, along with their families, are in “our constant thoughts and prayers, and we wish them a rapid and complete recovery.”
“NISAU stands united with all students and families impacted by this devastating event. We are coordinating with community representatives and official agencies to safeguard the welfare of the students and to extend all necessary support,” the statement concluded.
