Two Nepalis lost their lives early Thursday morning after their vehicle plunged into a pond in Chantilly, Virginia. Karna Khadka, 55, and Nischal Bhatta, 20, both residents of Chantilly, were pronounced dead at the scene after rescue crews recovered them from the submerged vehicle.
The tragic incident occurred around 7:25 a.m. in the 3900 block of Centerview Drive. According to Fairfax County Police, the vehicle was being driven in a private parking lot when it went over the curb, down a hill, and into the pond. First responders from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department arrived swiftly but could not save the victims.
Coworkers of Khadka revealed that he worked at the Wingate by Wyndham hotel nearby and had brought Bhatta with him because the 20-year-old was planning to apply for a job there. “Karna was always helping people,” said one coworker. “He wanted to help Nischal start his career.”
Community in Mourning
The news has devastated the local Nepali community, which is one of the largest in the region. Karna Khadka, a well-respected elder in the community, was remembered as a dedicated family man who often helped others. Nischal Bhatta, a college student with a bright future ahead of him, was described as kind-hearted and full of life.
“This is an unimaginable loss for our community,” said a member of a local Nepali organization. “Both Karna and Nischal were beloved by many, and their passing has left us all in shock.”
Investigation Underway
Fairfax County Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit is working to determine what led to the tragedy. Detectives believe the vehicle was being operated in the parking lot before it crossed a curb and ended up in the water. It is not yet clear whether mechanical failure, a medical emergency, or other factors played a role in the crash.
Safety Concerns Raised
The pond where the vehicle sank is located near the parking lot of a commercial area. A nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, expressed disbelief over the tragedy. “It’s such a small, decorative pond,” they said. “You’d never think something like this could happen here.”
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of the parking lot and surrounding area. Residents have pointed out the absence of barriers or guardrails around the pond, which could have prevented the vehicle from entering the water. Local officials are expected to evaluate the site and consider improvements to prevent similar accidents.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. In the meantime, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for caution and the importance of community support in times of loss.
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