West Virginia: A tragic end has been confirmed in the case of four Indian-origin individuals who were reported missing during a family trip in the United States. The bodies of Venkat Bejugam, his wife Tejaswini Cholleti, and their two young children Siddarth and Mrida were discovered inside a charred vehicle following a deadly head-on collision in Greene County, Alabama. The family, originally from Hyderabad and residing in the Sutton Fields community near Dallas, Texas, had gone missing en route from a vacation in Atlanta.
The family’s car collided with a mini truck believed to have been traveling in the wrong direction on a remote stretch of highway. The impact of the collision was so severe that the vehicle burst into flames, making immediate identification of the victims nearly impossible. Authorities later confirmed the identities using dental and DNA analysis, as the remains were badly burned in the fire.
The incident occurred just as the family was scheduled to return to Texas. Loved ones began expressing concern after losing contact with them for over 48 hours. A search was launched across multiple southern U.S. states before Alabama police located the wreckage near a rural bypass known for limited lighting and sparse traffic regulation.
The discovery of the bodies has sent shockwaves through the Indian-American community in Texas. Community organizations, including Telugu cultural associations and non-profits, have stepped in to assist with repatriation efforts and support the grieving relatives back in Hyderabad. Friends and neighbors described the Bejugams as a quiet, loving family with active involvement in local cultural and school activities.
This tragic incident has once again raised pressing concerns about highway safety in rural America. While officials are still investigating the precise circumstances of the crash, early reports point toward possible driver error by the truck operator, compounded by the absence of road dividers and low visibility. The Alabama State Police have not yet confirmed whether any charges will be filed.
The mortal remains of the family will be flown to India after completion of legal formalities in the U.S., with funeral arrangements underway in Hyderabad. Grief-stricken family members in both countries continue to mourn the devastating loss, and the Indian consulate is reportedly offering all possible assistance.
The senselessness of this tragedy stands as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the need for stronger road safety systems. As friends, relatives, and the broader Indian diaspora rally in support, tributes continue to pour in for the Bejugam family loved and lost far too soon.