London, Feb 2 (PTI) – A devastating car accident in County Carlow, southern Ireland, has claimed the lives of two Indian students, while two others remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
The victims, identified as Cherekuri Suresh Chowdary and Chithoori Bhargav, both in their 20s, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash early Friday morning. According to Irish police (Gardaí), the car—a black Audi A6—veered off the road and collided with a tree in Graiguenaspiddoge, near Carlow town.
Indian Embassy Expresses Condolences
The Indian Embassy in Dublin issued a heartfelt condolence message on Sunday, stating:"Embassy of India in Dublin conveys its deepest condolences on the sad demise of two Indian nationals Mr. Cherekuri Suresh Chowdary and Mr. Chithoori Bhargav in a car accident in Co. Carlow."
The Embassy assured that it is in close contact with the victims’ families and providing necessary support to the two injured passengers, a man and a woman, who are currently being treated at St. Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny.
Superintendent Appeals for Sensitivity
Superintendent Anthony Farrell from Carlow Garda Station confirmed that the vehicle had been traveling from the Mount Leinster area, through Fenagh, before reaching Carlow town. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the local Indian community, which the students were part of.In light of disturbing images circulating on social media, he urged the public to remove them, stating:
"Sharing such images is not helpful to the investigation and, more importantly, deeply distressing for grieving families and friends."
Community Unites to Support Families
The four friends, who had been sharing a house in Carlow town, had recently completed their studies at South East Technological University (SETU). One of them was reportedly working at a local pharmaceutical firm, MSD.In response to the tragedy, a fundraiser was swiftly organized to support funeral costs and other expenses. Spearheaded by Venkat Vuppala, the online campaign raised over €25,000 in under 24 hours.
"We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Bhargav Chitturi and Suresh Cherukuri," Vuppala wrote, calling for community support to ease the financial burden on the bereaved families.
Irish Prime Minister Reacts
Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin, speaking in Cork, expressed his shock over the incident, extending his sympathies to those affected.As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, the investigation into the crash continues.
