The crash occurred at about 9:49 a.m. near mile marker 172 on northbound I-95, south of State Road 514 in Brevard County. Preliminary information indicated that a 2025 Hyundai Elantra veered off the roadway and struck a tree before catching fire.

Florida Highway Patrol information cited in reports said three adults were killed in the crash. The circumstances that caused the vehicle to leave the highway remained under investigation.
 

Rahul had reportedly arrived in the United States about three months before the crash for higher education. According to information provided by his family, he had completed his master’s degree and was enrolled in a PhD program at the University of South Florida while also seeking employment.
 

The three students were reportedly traveling to their part-time workplace when the crash occurred.
 

Rahul’s father, Haribabu, said his son had spoken with his mother before leaving with friends. The family later learned about the fatal crash and has appealed for assistance in bringing Rahul’s remains back to India.
 

The Telugu Association of North America has reportedly been coordinating with U.S. authorities regarding repatriation efforts.

Identities of other victims not confirmed
 

The identities of the other two victims had not been publicly confirmed in the available reports. Early reports from Florida also indicated that authorities had not initially released the victims’ names.
 

The crash investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine why the vehicle left I-95. Additional information, including the identities of the other victims and circumstances surrounding the collision, is expected as the investigation progresses.