4 from Hyderabad killed as car bursts into flames in US road crash
A devastating road accident in the United States has claimed the lives of four Indian nationals from Hyderabad, including two young children. The family, who had been living in Dallas, Texas, for the past three years, was returning from a weekend trip to Atlanta when their SUV was struck head-on by a mini-truck allegedly traveling on the wrong side of the road. The force of the collision caused the vehicle to burst into flames, instantly killing all occupants.
The incident occurred on Sunday, July 6, in Greene County, Texas, and has sent shockwaves through both the Indian-American community in the U.S. and residents in Hyderabad, where the family originally hailed from.
Victims Identified: A Family United in Life and Death
The victims were identified as B. Srivenkat (40), his wife Ch. Tejaswini (36), and their two children, Siddhartha (9) and Mrida (7). The family had moved to the United States for better career opportunities and was living in Dallas. They were on their way back from visiting relatives in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of a Fourth of July holiday road trip.
According to preliminary reports, the family’s SUV was struck head-on by a pickup truck, which is suspected to have been driving on the wrong side of the road. The impact was so intense that the SUV caught fire within moments, leaving no time for escape.
Vehicle Reduced to Ashes: Forensic Challenges in Identification
Responders from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and emergency medical services arrived swiftly at the scene. However, the vehicle was already engulfed in flames, and efforts to rescue the occupants proved futile. The charred remains left officials with no choice but to rely on dental records and DNA analysis to identify the victims.
The process is being coordinated with the Indian Consulate in Houston and the TEAM Aid organization, which provides support to Indian nationals in crisis situations abroad.
Community Mourns the Loss
News of the tragic accident has left the Indian community in Dallas and Hyderabad in deep mourning. Srivenkat, described as a warm and hardworking IT professional, was employed at a leading tech company in Dallas. Friends and neighbors recall the couple as friendly, family-oriented, and active in community gatherings.
“They were such a lovely family. It’s hard to imagine they’re gone,” said a close family friend in Dallas. “The kids were bright, always smiling. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Back in Hyderabad, relatives and extended family are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss. The family had reportedly spoken to relatives just a day before the accident, sharing joyful moments from their trip.
Official Support and Repatriation Efforts Underway
The Indian government has stepped in to assist with formalities surrounding the tragedy. The Consulate General of India in Houston has expressed condolences and assured full cooperation in expediting the repatriation process.
In a statement, the consulate said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of an Indian-origin family in Texas. We are in close contact with local authorities and community organizations to assist with identification and transportation of remains.”
A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched by local Indian associations in Texas to support funeral and repatriation expenses. The page has already received thousands of dollars in contributions from well-wishers and members of the Indian diaspora.
Investigations Continue: Was Negligence Involved?
Local law enforcement officials are investigating the circumstances of the crash. The driver of the mini-truck that collided with the SUV has not been publicly identified, and it remains unclear whether alcohol, fatigue, or reckless driving played a role.
“The preliminary evidence suggests the pickup truck was going the wrong way. We are investigating whether this was due to driver error or other contributing factors,” said a Greene County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson.
Officials are also reviewing traffic camera footage and forensic data to build a comprehensive report. Charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the investigation.
A Stark Reminder of Road Safety
This tragic accident is a painful reminder of the unpredictability of long-distance travel and the importance of road safety. Wrong-way driving remains a significant cause of fatal collisions in the U.S., with studies showing that such incidents often result in high-impact crashes and fire-related fatalities due to the speed and nature of the collision.
Experts urge drivers, especially during long road trips, to remain vigilant, avoid fatigue, and stay updated on navigation to prevent confusion on unfamiliar roads.
Final Journey Home
As the family’s remains await official clearance, loved ones in both the United States and India are preparing for their final rites. Community leaders have called for prayers and memorial gatherings across Dallas and Hyderabad.
“We lost not just individuals, but an entire family—two generations wiped out in seconds,” said a tearful family friend. “May their souls find peace, and may their story remind us all to cherish life and drive safely.”
