In a tragic incident that has plunged a community into mourning, two Indian students lost their lives in a head-on collision in Arizona, United States. The victims, 19-year-old Nivesh Mukka and 19-year-old Goutham Parsi from Telangana, were enrolled as international students at Arizona State University.
The fatal crash occurred on April 20, around 6:18 pm, prompting a swift response from the Peoria Police after they were alerted to the scene on Castle Hot Springs Road, just north of State Route 74. Despite their efforts, both students tragically succumbed to their injuries upon impact.
This devastating event has reverberated through the Indian community, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and support for international students studying abroad. As authorities continue their investigation into the collision’s cause, friends, family, and the university community mourn the loss of these promising young individuals.
The collision involved two vehicles—a white 2024 Kia Forte and a red 2022 Ford F150—in a head-on impact. Initial findings indicate that the driver of the red F150 was traveling southbound on Castle Hot Springs Road, while the white Kia Forte was heading northbound.
Both Mukka and Parsi tragically lost their lives at the scene, while the driver of their vehicle sustained severe injuries and was hospitalized before being discharged. Similarly, the sole occupant of the other vehicle involved was rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries but has since been released.
Following the collision, the area remained closed for several hours as authorities conducted their investigation. Normal traffic resumed on Sunday morning after the investigation concluded.
“The cause of the collision is still under investigation,” stated the Peoria Police Department, extending their condolences and sympathy to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating incident.
Arizona State University’s International Students and Scholars Centre, alongside the dean of students, counseling services, and housing representatives, is actively reaching out to identify the student groups, friends, and roommates of the victims to offer necessary support during this challenging time.