In a devastating incident last week, Johnson County witnessed a tragic head-on collision that unexpectedly claimed the lives of six individuals and left the community grappling with grief.
On the afternoon of December 26, a pickup truck, allegedly passing in a no-passing zone on U.S. Highway 67, collided head-on with a minivan at the intersection of County Road 1119.
The crash resulted in the deaths of Rushil Barri, Nageswararao Ponnada, Sitamahalakshmi Ponnada, Naveena Potabathula, Krithik Potabathula, and Nishidha Potabathula. Authorities report that Lokesh Potabathula, critically injured in the crash, is currently receiving medical care in a Fort Worth-area hospital.
Support for the grieving families has poured in, with GoFundMe pages dedicated to the victims raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Telugu Association of North America played a crucial role in facilitating the repatriation of the deceased to India, given that all occupants of the minivan were Telugu-speaking individuals. The heartbreaking loss emphasizes the importance of safe driving practices, particularly for young drivers.
As investigators delve into the details surrounding the incident, questions arise about the potential involvement of drugs in the crash.
The occupants of the pickup, Luke Resecker and Preston Glass, both 17 years old, sustained critical injuries. Drugs were reportedly found inside the pickup, prompting an ongoing investigation into whether the driver was under the influence at the time of the collision.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless driving.
The entire community mourns the lives lost and stands together in supporting the affected families during this difficult time.
As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the need for vigilance and responsible behavior on the roads, especially among young drivers, to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.
Donate here to the grieving family’s Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pothabathulas-family-medical-and-funeral-expenses
