Tragedy In TX: Accident Claims Six Lives Of One Family

Photo: Screengrab www.nbcdfw.com

India-West News Desk

IRVING, TX – A devastating head-on collision has claimed the lives of six members of a close-knit family, leaving a community in shock and mourning. The incident occurred when a Chevrolet pickup truck, driven by a 17-year-old, entered the northbound lane in a no-passing zone and collided head-on with a Honda Odyssey.

The driver of the minivan, 28-year-old Rushil Barri, had been returning from a family outing to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center when the tragic crash unfolded, officials said. Barri, who arrived in the United States in 2020, lost his life along with five of his relatives, including his cousin, cousin’s wife, two young children, and in-laws, all from Alpharetta, GA.

The deceased victims were identified as Naveena Potabathula, 36; Nageswararao Ponnada, 64; Sitamahalakshmi Ponnada, 60; and the children, Krithik Potabathula, 10, and Nishidha Potabathula, 9.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) release, the collision caused heavy damage to both vehicles. Only two occupants of the van were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident, and the release noted that one of the two passengers in the truck was wearing a seatbelt.

In a press release on December 27, the Texas DPS expressed gratitude to the Indian Consulate, the India Association of North Texas, and other local police departments for their assistance in locating the affected families during this difficult time. The community is now rallying together to support those impacted by this devastating accident.

Both the 17-year-old driver of the Chevrolet pickup and his 17-year-old passenger sustained critical injuries and were airlifted to John Peter Smith Hospital and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital. Meanwhile, a 26-year-old passenger from the van, Lokesh Potabathula, was taken to Harris Health in Fort Worth with critical injuries.

Sergeant William Lockridge of the Texas Department of Public Safety told the Daily Mail that the reason behind the 17-year-old driving in the wrong direction is still unclear. “For an unknown reason at this time, the Chevrolet pickup truck traveled into the northbound lane and struck the Honda Odyssey head-on,” he said.