Two students from Telangana have been killed in a two-car road collision at a major roundabout in Essex, south-east England, while five others sustained serious injuries, local police have said.

While Chaitanya Tarre, 23, died on the spot, Rishi Teja Rapolu, 21, succumbed to his injuries in hospital soon after the accident at the Rayleigh Spur roundabout early Monday.

The deceased, who were from Hyderabad, were pursuing higher studies in the UK, their family members said.

Rapolu's uncle R Nagender told PTI Videos on Wednesday that his nephew was studying MBA first-year in London.

He said the Telugu Association in London, and some of their relatives were following up to bring the mortal remains to India as early as possible.

He said Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy instructed the authorities concerned for repatriation of the body. Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar also wrote letters to the authorities to complete the formalities to bring the body, he added.

Tarre's family members and relatives told TV channels that he had left for the UK in February this year to pursue an MS degree. They said initially they got information that there was a road accident and Tarre was in serious condition. Later his friends told them he had passed away, the family members said.

According to a relative, they got information that the accident occurred when Tarre was returning after attending Ganesh idol immersion. The family appealed to the Central and state governments to help in bringing his body to the city at the earliest.

Essex Police said two other men from east London who were driving the cars at the time of the crash were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving before being released on bail.

"Sadly, one man died at the scene while another died in hospital. Specialist officers are supporting their families. Five other people were taken to hospital with serious injuries," Essex Police said in a statement.

"The drivers of the two cars – two men from Barking aged 23 and 24 – were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

"They have since been released on bail until November 20. Our investigation into the collision is ongoing," the statement said.

The force has issued a public appeal for information, including any CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to the collision on the A130 – a major dual carriageway road.

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK issued a statement to condole the death of the students, who are believed to have been on their way back from a Ganesh Visarajan celebration with their peer group.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Essex, UK, involving nine students from the Telugu community," NISAU UK said in a statement.

"The accident has claimed the precious lives of two young students, Chaitanya Tarre and Rishi Teja Rapolu. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," the statement said.

Several other students remain in hospital and under urgent medical care, it said, adding, "We are keeping them and their families in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope for their swift and full recovery." The group which supports Indian students enrolled at UK universities said it is working closely with members of the Telangana community and consular authorities to provide support following the tragic accident.

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