Two Nepali students studying at Louisiana Tech University in the United States were killed in a car crash during a heavy rainstorm, according to US media.

KNOE reported that the victims, 22-year-old Rajan Yadav and 20-year-old Rojin Oli, died at the scene of the accident, which occurred on Saturday night just before 9 pm local time in Ruston, Louisiana.

Louisiana State Police said Yadav was driving a Honda Accord on US Highway 80 with Oli and two others as passengers when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree. The car then caught fire.

Police said Yadav and Oli died at the scene, while the two other passengers were taken to the hospital with injuries. It remains unknown whether the deceased were wearing seatbelts.

Routine toxicology samples were collected and sent for analysis, police added.

Louisiana Tech University issued a statement expressing grief over the loss. University President Jim Henderson posted on Facebook: “As a university, we espouse caring as a cherished Tenet of Tech. Continue to care for one another today and always.”

The university said counselling services and walk-in sessions are available for students at Keeny Hall and that its Office of International Affairs is planning a memorial and offering support to the international student community.