Hyderabad native killed, family members injured in US accident

A Hyderabad family met with a tragic accident near Alamogordo in New Mexico, leaving Purna Gopi Avala dead and other family members seriously injured. The family is now facing mounting medical and funeral expenses.

Hyderabad: An Indian family from Hyderabad met with a tragic road accident near Alamogordo in New Mexico, close to White Sands National Park in the United States, on May 17, leaving one person dead and other family members seriously injured.

The deceased was identified as Purna Gopi Avala, who reportedly died at the scene after a pickup truck rammed into the family’s vehicle while it was parked in the emergency lane with hazard lights switched on. The family had reportedly stopped to change drivers when the accident occurred.

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Purna had moved to the United States in 2015 and had become the primary financial support for his family after years of working there. According to family members, his parents had travelled from India only three weeks ago, and preparations were underway for his marriage.

The accident left the surviving family members with serious injuries. Purna’s father, a retired military personnel and former ambulance driver, sustained a neck fracture, cracked ribs and severe facial injuries. He was airlifted to a hospital in Albuquerque for treatment.

His mother suffered fractures to her hand and facial bones, while his brother, Murali Avala, who had recently completed his Master’s degree, reportedly underwent major surgery for severe internal bleeding and multiple injuries to his chest, back and legs.

The family is now facing mounting medical and funeral expenses following the tragedy.