Students were killed in crash at roundabout

Chaithanya Tarre died at the scene near Basildon, with his friend later dying in hospital

Two students died when the convoy they were in crashed and one of the vehicles mounted a roundabout, an inquest heard.

Indian nationals Chaithanya Tarre, 22, and Rishiteja Rapolu, 21, were killed and five of their friends seriously injured when two cars collided near Basildon on 1 September.

They had been travelling together in a group of nine when the drivers "lost control", Essex Coroner's Court was told.

Essex Police arrested the two drivers, aged 23 and 24, at the scene, near the A130 Rayleigh Spur roundabout, and they have been bailed until 20 November.

The arrested men, from Barking in east London, were held on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Mr Tarre died from head injuries at the scene, while Mr Rapolu died from similar injuries at the Royal London Hospital, the inquest in Chelmsford was told.

Both were from Barking and had been passengers in the vehicles when they collided at about 04:15 BST.

Police guarded the cordon for several hours as officers investigated the collision

Area coroner Michelle Brown said the cars had been travelling in convoy along the A130.

"For reasons unknown, both the vehicles lost control and collided with the roundabout," she said.

She added that one of the vehicles "failed to negotiate" the roundabout and "went straight over" it, causing "significant damage".

She suspended the inquest proceedings so detectives could continue to investigate the collision.

'Incredibly difficult'

Essex Police said the five other students were making a recovery.

Officers closed parts of the A130 and A1245 between Rayleigh, Rettendon and South Benfleet in the aftermath of the crash.

A statement from the National Indian Students & Alumni Union UK said the nine students involved were from the Telugu-speaking community - primarily based in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states on the east coast of southern India.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," it said.

"We are working closely with community members and relevant authorities to ensure the well-being of the students and to provide support wherever needed."