Palakollu,  5 Jan

A US-based couple originally from Andhra Pradesh were killed in a road accident near Washington DC, while their two children survived with injuries, police said on Monday.

The deceased were identified as K Krishna Kishore (49), a native of Palakollu, and his wife Asha (45), who hailed from Kakinada. The couple had been living and working in the United States as software engineers.

According to family members, the couple had travelled to India on 23 December  before flying to Dubai to ring in the New Year. After returning to the US, they missed their scheduled flight from Dubai and booked an alternative connection to a different destination.

While driving home from the airport, their car was hit by a truck travelling in the wrong direction, relatives said. Kishore and Asha died on the spot, while their children  a 21-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son  survived the crash and underwent surgery.

Police said the children are currently receiving treatment at a hospital. Kishore’s visually impaired father and mother reside in West Godavari district, while his sister is settled in the US.

The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon (IST), and the family was informed later in the evening. The couple’s last rites will be performed in the United States, relatives said.