New York, May 13 – Two Indian students from Cleveland State University lost their lives in a devastating road accident in Pennsylvania early Saturday morning, officials confirmed.
Manav Patel (20) and Saurav Prabhakar (23), both Indian nationals, died at the scene after their vehicle veered off the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Brecknock Township, crashed into a tree, and struck a bridge, according to Pennsylvania State Police and the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office. Prabhakar was reportedly behind the wheel at the time of the accident.
A third passenger, who was seated in the front, sustained injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Further details about the injured individual’s condition have not yet been released.
The Consulate General of India in New York expressed its condolences via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday. "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," the message read.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with the families and has assured them of all possible assistance," it added.
Authorities have ruled both deaths as accidental, citing multiple traumatic injuries as the cause.
The Indian student community and the Cleveland State University campus are reportedly in shock following the tragedy.