Essex road accident: One youngster on ventilator, another paralysed

Nine Telugu youngsters were involved in a severe road accident in Essex, UK, leaving two dead. Survivors include one on a ventilator and another partially paralysed. Police have arrested both drivers, and the community is raising funds to repatriate the victims.

Hyderabad: The ghastly accident in which nine Telugu youngsters were involved, with two dying and the others injured, has left one of them partially paralysed, while another is battling for his life on a ventilator.

The second youngster who died was identified as Chaitanya Tarre, who was killed on the spot, according to information reaching here. The latest updates said Sai Goutham Ravulla was on ventilation in the Royal London Hospital, while Nuthan Thatikayala, also in the same hospital, was partially paralysed.

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Two youngsters from the group, Gopichand Batamekala and Manohar Sabbani, were in custody, while Yuva Teja Reddy Gurram, Vamshi Golla and Venkata Sumanth Pentyala were shifted to the Royal London Hospital. The first victim who died was identified on Sunday itself as Rishiteja Rapolu from Hyderabad.

The Indian community there was raising funds to send the bodies back home, while the survivors were being taken care of. Efforts were also on to release the two youngsters who were taken into custody.

The horrific accident had occurred on Monday in Essex city of the United Kingdom. According to Essex police, the accident occurred on the Dual Carriageway A130 at Rayleigh Spur roundabout. Local media including the BBC reported that a group of nine friends and roommates, all residents of Ilford–Barking area, were on their way to Southend-on-Sea when the crash occurred.

The Essex police said the drivers of the two vehicles were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.