Orlando, Florida—A tragic car accident in Osceola County, Florida, has claimed the lives of three members of a family from Telangana, India. The incident occurred on Sunday, March 16, 2025, when a pickup truck traveling on the wrong side of the road collided head-on with the family's SUV.
The victims have been identified as 34-year-old Pragathi Reddy, her 56-year-old mother-in-law Suneetha Reddy, and her five-year-old son Arvin. Pragathi's husband, Rohit Reddy, who was driving the SUV, and their nine-month-old son survived the crash with injuries.
Key Facts:
- Date and Location: The accident occurred on March 16, 2025, in Osceola County, Florida, between Kenansville Road and Yates Ranch Road.
- Victims: Deceased are 34-year-old Pragathi Reddy, her 56-year-old mother-in-law Suneetha Reddy, and her five-year-old son Arvin.
- Survivors: Pragathi's husband, Rohit Reddy (34), and their nine-month-old son sustained injuries but survived the crash.
The family, originally from Tekulapalli village in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, had been residing in the United States for over a decade. On the day of the accident, they were returning home from a weekend trip when a pickup truck, driving on the wrong side of the road, collided head-on with their SUV.
The impact caused the SUV to veer off the road and overturn. Pragathi and Suneetha were pronounced dead at the scene, while young Arvin succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
The tragic news has deeply affected the family's community in Telangana. Pragathi's parents, Mohan Reddy and Pavitra Devi, both former local body representatives, are devastated by the loss. Mohan Reddy expressed his anguish, stating that they received the heartbreaking news in the early hours and are now preparing to travel to the United States to perform the last rites.
This incident highlights the devastating impact of road accidents, especially those caused by reckless driving. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and adherence to traffic laws to prevent such tragedies.
Do You Know?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023, wrong-way driving accounted for approximately 2% of all fatal crashes in the United States, emphasizing the critical need for drivers to adhere to proper traffic directions to ensure road safety.
Key Terms:
- SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle): A versatile vehicle combining elements of road-going passenger cars with features from off-road vehicles, such as raised ground clearance and four-wheel drive.
- Wrong-Way Driving: The act of driving a vehicle against the direction of traffic, which significantly increases the risk of head-on collisions.