A couple from West Godavari district, Krishna Kishore Kotikalapudi (50) and his wife Appana Venkata Asha (48), lost their lives in a tragic road accident on Interstate 95 (I-95) near Charlotte, Maryland.
The accident occurred when an SUV travelling in the wrong direction crashed head-on into their minivan.
Their two children—a 23-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son—survived the crash but sustained injuries and were rushed to a trauma centre.
The family was returning to their home in Virginia after their flight, which was originally scheduled to land at Washington’s Dulles Airport, was diverted to New York due to bad weather.
At the time of the accident, Kishore was driving the minivan, while his wife Asha was seated in the front passenger seat. Their children were in the rear seats.
The crash occurred at around 2.45 am local time when the SUV, coming from the opposite direction, slammed into their vehicle.
Kishore died on the spot, while Asha was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was later declared dead.
Kishore hailed from Palakollu in West Godavari district. Family members told Deccan Chronicle that the couple and their children had recently visited India and returned to the US just ten days ago.
“Kishore had been working as a software engineer in the US for over 10 years. They were a very homely family. This incident has come as a major shock to all of us,” a relative said.
The Maryland State Police said the SUV driver, who may not have been mentally or physically unfit to drive, was unharmed and remained at the scene.
In a statement, police said that charges may be filed after the investigation is completed and in consultation with the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office.
