Indian-Origin Family of Four Dies in Alabama Head-On Crash

Four members of an Indian-origin family were killed on Saturday night when their vehicle was struck head-on by a mini truck in Greene County, Alabama, according to local media reports. The collision ignited the family’s car, leaving the victims badly burned. Relatives and a support group assisting with formalities identified the deceased as Dallas-area residents Venkat Bejugam, his wife Tejaswini Cholleti, and their children Siddarth and Mrida. The family was driving home after visiting relatives in Atlanta over the U.S. Independence Day weekend. Authorities said the truck was travelling in the wrong lane. Because of the severity of the fire, investigators are relying on dental and DNA tests to confirm identities before releasing the bodies. Non-profit organisation TEAM Aid is coordinating with relatives on repatriation arrangements to Hyderabad, where final rites are expected to take place.