Eutaw, AL (July 13, 2025) – A head-on collision on Interstate 59 claimed the lives of five people late Saturday night, including two children. The crash happened around 10:17 p.m. on July 5 near Co 20, approximately seven miles south of Eutaw.
According to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey, the crash involved a Ram 1500 pickup truck driven by 45-year-old Stephen L. Keele of Mississippi and a Toyota Sienna minivan driven by 36-year-old Tejaswini R. Cholleti of Texas. The two vehicles collided head-on and both caught fire shortly after the impact. Keele and Cholleti were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Inside the Toyota, three passengers—40-year-old Sri V. Bejugam, a 6-year-old child, and an 8-year-old child, all from Texas—also died at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the children’s names.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues to look into what led to the collision and whether other factors were involved. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families affected and hope for strength during this difficult time.
Fatal Two-Vehicle Collisions in Greene County
Tragic crashes like the one near Eutaw serve as a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous highways can be. Head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of crashes. The force of two vehicles hitting each other at high speed often leaves little chance for survival.
In rural parts of Alabama, including Greene County, drivers often travel at high speeds along long stretches of highway. On roads like I-59, a single mistake—like drifting into the opposite lane—can lead to disaster. Head-on crashes are often caused by distracted driving, impaired driving, or wrong-way travel.
When crashes involve fire, as in this recent case, the dangers are even greater. Fires can trap victims inside vehicles and make rescue efforts nearly impossible. The intense heat can also make it harder to identify causes or determine if mechanical failures played a role.
Families impacted by fatal crashes face unimaginable grief. In addition to emotional trauma, they may be left with medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income. A wrongful death attorney can help families during this time by explaining their legal rights and helping them pursue compensation.
Financial recovery may include coverage for medical expenses, loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and more. These cases require careful investigation, including reviewing crash reports, analyzing forensic evidence, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
At Maloney-Lyons, we understand how overwhelming this process can be. Our team offers compassionate legal guidance for families dealing with the aftermath of deadly crashes. We handle the legal work so clients can focus on healing and rebuilding their lives. We believe that every family deserves answers and accountability after a tragic loss. That’s why we approach every case with care, diligence, and the commitment to pursue justice. No amount of money can replace a loved one, but a successful legal claim can help ease the financial burdens that follow. Taking legal action can also bring attention to dangerous driving behaviors and help prevent future tragedies.
If you or a loved one was injured in a two-vehicle crash in Eutaw or anywhere in Alabama, don’t wait to get help. Call Maloney-Lyons today at 251-225-6105 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
