USA: Three Indians die in car accident, two are injured

NEW DELHI: At least three Indian students were killed and two others injured in a car accident in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The accident occurred last week, on May 14, when a car carrying five people was traveling on Westside Parkway north of Maxwell Road, Fox5 Atlanta reported.

Two teenagers died in the incident that same day, and a third teenager later succumbed to his injuries the next day, the Fulton County Coroner’s Office reported.

The teenagers were 18-year-old Aryan Joshi, a senior at Alpharetta High School, 18-year-old Sriya Avasarala, a freshman at the University of Georgia, and Anvi Sharma, a freshman at the University of Georgia. Sharma, 18, died May 15 at the hospital where she was admitted.

The driver was identified as Rithwak Somepalli, an 18-year-old Georgia State University student. Mohammed Liyakath, an 18-year-old Alpharetta High School graduate, was also in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Their current terms have not been disclosed.

Although investigators suspect that speed may have played a role in the accident, the matter is still under investigation.

When Anisha Hadimani, one of Joshi’s friends, heard the devastating news, she expressed disbelief and deep sadness. “I never imagined it was a lot,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.

“He was truly one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life,” she said. Hadimani took several courses with Joshi. She says he was caring and selfless.

“If you were having a bad day, he would come to you and say, ‘What’s wrong? We can talk about it,’” she recalls.

Hadimani, also a freshman at UGA, described Avasarala as a remarkable young woman who reflects on the fragility of life. “It really puts things in perspective. This kind of thing can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere,” she lamented.

The University of Georgia issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims of the tragic accident and support for their families and loved ones during this challenging time. According to Fox5 Atlanta, they hoped the cherished memories would provide comfort and resilience to everyone affected by the loss.

“The University of Georgia mourns the lives of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident. Our deepest condolences go out to their families and loved ones who are going through this difficult time. We hope her memories bring comfort and strength to all who knew her.”