Two Indian students killed in US car crash, one injured

Two Indian students from Cleveland State University were killed in a car crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Lancaster County early Saturday, May 10.

According to media reports, the victims have been identified as 23-year-old Saurav Prabhakar and 20-year-old Manav Patel.

Vehicle struck tree and bridge

According to Pennsylvania State Police, the accident occurred around 7:08 am near milepost 286.5 in Brecknock Township, close to the Reading Interchange.

The vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a tree, and then collided with a bridge. Emergency responders found Prabhakar, who was driving, and Patel, a rear-seat passenger, dead at the scene.

A third person, seated in the front, was seriously injured and rushed to Reading Hospital. Their condition remains unknown.

Deaths ruled accidental

The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office confirmed that both students died from multiple traumatic injuries and ruled their deaths as accidental.

No road closures were reported as the crash site was entirely off the main lanes of the turnpike. The Pennsylvania State Police Forensic Services Unit is assisting in the ongoing investigation.

Consulate offers assistance

The Consulate General of India in New York expressed grief over the tragic incident and extended support to the families of the deceased.

"Deeply saddened to learn about the unfortunate road accident in which two Indian students from Cleveland State University, Manav Patel and Saurav Prabhakar, lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time," the Consulate wrote in a post on X.

It added that the Consulate is in touch with the families and has assured them of all possible assistance.