VOI world/ desk
On the night of July 5 in Greene County, Alabama, a U.S.-based Indian-origin family of four from Hyderabad—parents Venkat Bejugam (40) and Tejaswini Cholleti (36), and their children Siddarth (9) and Mrida (7)—were killed in a head-on collision on their return trip from Atlanta to Dallas after their car was struck by a mini‑truck traveling in the wrong lane. The impact caused their vehicle to burst into flames, and all occupants died at the scene.
Local law enforcement has launched a forensic investigation, including dental and DNA tests, to confirm the identities of the victims before releasing their remains. The Bejugam family resided in Sutton Fields, a Dallas suburb, and were traveling back following a Fourth of July visit with relatives in Atlanta.
Non-profit group TEAM Aid is assisting with arrangements for repatriation of the bodies to India and coordinating with U.S. authorities and the family. The tragic incident has prompted local officials to stress road safety and the hazards posed by wrong-way driving.
