Four Indians Die In US Multi-Vehicle Accident: Who Were They?

A devastating crash involving five vehicles in Texas, United States, has resulted in the deaths of four Indian nationals. The August 31 collision occurred when the victims were travelling from Dallas to Bentonville, Arkansas. The crash, which led to a fiery blaze, left the victims' SUV charred beyond recognition.

Four Indians Die In Texas Multi-Vehicle Accident

The tragic accident occurred on Friday, August 31, around 3:30 pm, just past White Street, according to the Collin County Sheriff’s Office. The victims had connected through a carpooling app for their journey. Authorities believe that a speeding truck rear-ended their SUV, causing it to burst into flames. The intense fire rendered the vehicle unrecognisable and led to the victims’ deaths.

As per NDTV's report, the victims have been identified as Aryan Raghunath Orampati, Farooq Shaik, Lokesh Palacharla, and Darshini Vasudevan. Orampati and Shaik were returning home after visiting a relative in Dallas. Palacharla was heading to Bentonville to see his wife, while Vasudevan, a Master’s degree graduate from the University of Texas, was en route to visit her uncle. Vasudevan’s father, distressed by the sudden loss of contact with his daughter, sought help from Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar via social media. 

@DrSJaishankar Dear Sir, My daughter Dharshini Vasudevan holding Indian passport No-T6215559 have been in USA for the last 3 years, 2 years of MS studies and later 1 year of Employment and stays 3150 Avenue of the stars Apt 1110-Frisco,Texas-75034.

— Vasudevan (@VasuV1970) August 31, 2024

Backgrounds of the Victims

Aryan Raghunath Orampati Orampati was an engineering graduate from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Coimbatore. His father, Subhash Chandra Reddy, owns Max Agri Genetics Private Limited in Hyderabad. Orampati had recently completed his degree at the University of Texas and had planned to stay in the US for an additional two years before returning to India.

Farooq Shaik Also from Hyderabad, Shaik had recently completed his Master’s degree and was living in Bentonville. His father, Masthan Vali, who resides in Hyderabad, reported that Shaik had moved to the US three years ago for his studies.

Lokesh Palacharla was travelling to Bentonville to reunite with his wife. Details about his background are limited, but his trip was intended to be a family visit.

Darshini Vasudevan was originally from Tamil Nadu, Vasudevan was studying and working in Frisco, Texas. She was travelling to visit her uncle when the accident occurred.

The authorities are currently relying on DNA fingerprinting and bone remains to confirm the identities of the deceased. The process involves matching DNA samples with those of the victims' families. Local officials have stated that this method is necessary due to the severe damage caused by the fire.