The bustling city of Can Tho in southern Vietnam, known for its scenic Mekong Delta and serene landscapes, witnessed a heart-wrenching tragedy that has left two nations mourning. A 21-year-old Indian medical student, Arshid Ashrith, pursuing his MBBS degree in Vietnam, tragically lost his life in a shocking bike accident near the Bung Xang Lake area.
The horrific crash was captured on a nearby CCTV camera, sending ripples of grief through his family, peers, and the Indian student community abroad. Arshid Ashrith was a third-year student enrolled in a medical program in Can Tho. Hailing from Telangana’s Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district, he belonged to a modest family of cloth merchants.
The sudden and violent nature of his death has not only shaken his loved ones but also sparked concerns over student safety, road conditions in foreign countries, and the challenges Indian students face while studying abroad.
A Tragic End to a Promising Journey
Arshid Ashrith’s dream was like that of many Indian students who travel abroad with hopes of becoming doctors. Vietnam has become a popular destination in recent years for Indian medical aspirants due to its affordable education and globally recognized universities. Arshid was one such dreamer. Friends and faculty members remember him as a bright and ambitious student with a calm demeanor and strong determination.
On the fateful day of the accident, Arshid was riding a bike with a friend sitting pillion. Reports suggest he was traveling at a high speed when he suddenly lost control of the two-wheeler. The crash occurred in a residential area near the picturesque Bung Xang Lake, a location usually known for its calm atmosphere and natural beauty.
Read : 30-Year-Old Driver Arrested After Car Plows into Crowd at Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver
The CCTV footage paints a chilling picture: a calm street, suddenly disrupted by the screeching arrival of a motorcycle that crashes violently into a concrete wall. Both riders are flung into the air, highlighting the force of the impact.
MBBS student from #Telangana dies in #Vietnam road accident#Hyderabad: Arshid Ashrith, a 21-year-old third-year MBBS student from Telangana, tragically died in a road accident in Can Tho City, Vietnam, on Wednesday morning. Ashrith, son of cloth merchants from Kagaznagar, wasā¦ pic.twitter.com/wrLHNNEyZ9
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) June 5, 2025
While Arshid Ashrith died on the spot, his friend suffered critical injuries and was immediately rushed to a local hospital. His current condition remains serious, and he is under intensive care. Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the accident, but preliminary conclusions point to overspeeding as a major factor.
Shock and Mourning in Telangana and Beyond
Back in India, the news of Arshid’s sudden demise devastated his family. His parents, Arshid Arjun and Pratima, run a small cloth business in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district. They had pinned all their hopes on their sonās success, and his achievements had brought immense pride to the family. Their grief turned even more unbearable when they learned of the tragic circumstances through the viral CCTV footage circulating online.
MLA Dr. P Harish Babu visited the grieving family to offer his condolences and support. He acknowledged the immense loss and pledged assistance in bringing Arshid Ashrithās body back to India. The MLA also reached out to Union Minister G Kishan Reddy over the phone, requesting urgent diplomatic and logistical help in repatriating the body. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam has also been alerted and is reportedly working with local authorities to complete the necessary paperwork and arrangements.
Condolences poured in from various corners of society. Students, political leaders, and members of the Telangana diaspora expressed solidarity with the family, and many emphasized the need for better safety awareness among international students. Vigils and memorial gatherings are expected to be held in both Vietnam and Arshid’s hometown to honor his memory.
Indian Students Abroad: Risks, Dreams, and Challenges
The tragic demise of Arshid Ashrith has once again brought into focus the growing number of Indian students pursuing education abroad and the unique risks they face in foreign lands. According to government data, tens of thousands of Indian students are currently enrolled in medical universities in countries such as China, Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
While the academic opportunities are vast and often more affordable than in India, students also navigate challenges including language barriers, cultural differences, and personal safety concerns.
In the case of Arshid, the unfortunate accident occurred outside of academic premises, but it raises questions about student transportation, road safety laws, and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. Vietnamese roads, while developed in urban centers, can pose serious dangers due to mixed traffic, lack of speed limits in some areas, and the prevalence of two-wheelers.
Furthermore, there is an urgent need for educational institutions hosting foreign students to offer comprehensive orientation programs covering not only academic and cultural aspects but also local laws, road safety, and emergency services. Students often operate under the false belief that they are invincible or that accidents are rare in peaceful surroundings. Tragedies like this highlight how fragile life can be, even in the pursuit of noble dreams.
Arshidās story is not just about a young life lost but also about the emotional cost of migration, the pressure on students to succeed abroad, and the vulnerability they face when far from home. His death has touched many because it reflects a universal fear every parent has when sending their child overseasāwill they be safe?
The Indian community in Can Tho, though small, has mobilized to support Arshidās friend, who is still hospitalized. Fellow students have expressed a desire to raise funds for medical expenses and are also assisting in official processes with local authorities. Several have shared memories of Arshidāhis laughter, his kindness, his academic dedication, and his love for medicine.
While grief continues to grip Arshidās family and community, there is a growing call for stronger systems of support for Indian students abroad. Educational consultants, foreign ministries, and student organizations are being urged to offer not just visa and university advice but also ongoing assistance once students reach their destinations. Emergency contact mechanisms, mental health support, and legal aid should become standard parts of the package.
The tragic death of Arshid Ashrith has sent a wake-up call to many. It is a reminder of the unpredictable dangers that students might encounter while living away from their families. His memory now stands as a symbol of a bright future cut short, a young man who aimed to serve society as a doctor but was claimed too soon by a tragic accident.
As the repatriation process continues and his body returns to his native village, an entire community will gather to bid farewell. Arshidās name will likely be remembered for a long timeānot just as a victim of a fatal crash but as a symbol of dreams, aspirations, and the cruel fragility of life.