Hyderabad, 8 July 2025:
A Hyderabad family's vacation turned tragic when Venkat Bejugam, his wife Tejaswini Cholleti, and their kids Siddarth and Mrida died in a car accident in Texas.
The family, who live in Aubrey, close to Dallas, was returning from a visit with relatives in Atlanta when a mini truck that was allegedly driving in the wrong lane hit their car head on. Their car caught fire after colliding with the mini truck at high speed. According to IANS, which cited local authorities, "all four members of the family succumbed to burn injuries and died on the spot." Due to the severity of the fire, forensic teams had to positively identify the bodies using DNA testing and dental records.
The family had just moved to Aubrey's Sutton Fields residential area. When the accident happened, Venkat and Tejaswini were returning to their Dallas home after vacationing in Atlanta with their two kids. The grieving family members are receiving support from TEAM Aid, a nonprofit organisation that helps foreigners in times of need. "The bodies of the deceased will be brought back to Hyderabad for the last rites," a representative confirmed. The remains will be given to their relatives after DNA testing is finished to verify the identities.
Additionally, the Indian Consulate General in Houston has been called upon to assist with the repatriation procedure and communicate with local authorities. Funeral plans are anticipated to be finalised after transportation and customs procedures are completed, but formalities are still in progress. Dallas's Indian community groups have voiced their sorrow. "They were a warm, close knit family enjoying a short break," one of the family's friends said. Everyone who knew them has been shocked by this accident.
In a string of deadly mishaps involving Indian nationals overseas, this incident represents yet another tragic chapter. The extensive use of forensic methods and vehicle DNA testing highlights the incident's seriousness as well as the US authorities' dedication to guaranteeing correct identification.
Following DNA testing, the bodies of the Bejugam family should arrive in Hyderabad. To find out what caused the collision and whether the truck driver will face charges, more investigation is being conducted. In the meantime, people in India and the US lament the passing of a young family whose lives were cut short far from home.
