Kunal Chopra dies in tragic Belconnen car and truck collision

Tributes are flowing for a Canberra hospitality student after he tragically lost his life in a devastating collision with a truck.

Kunal Chopra tragically lost his life in a fatal collision between his car and a cement truck on January 10, 2023. Picture: Contributed

A young Indian national is being remembered for his down to earth nature and love for his family after he was tragically killed in a car crash in Canberra.

Kunal Chopra, 21, was driving home from work about 7am on January 10 when his car crashed into a truck driving the opposite way on William Hovel Dr in Belconnen.

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Mr Chopra was the sole occupant of his Hyundai Getz and tragically died at the scene.

The truck driver, an adult man, was assessed by paramedics and was taken to Calvary Hospital for drug and alcohol testing.

The Canberra community has mourned the young hospitality student in the days since his death, with Mr Chopra’s death being the first fatality on ACT roads in 2023.

His cousin Honey Malhotra said he would remember Mr Chopra as a “nice person” with a polite nature.

“He always gave respect to his elders and he was that type of person, he never said no to anything or any work,” Mr Malhotra said.

Friend Harnoor Dhillon said Mr Chopra was an “innocent guy” who was working hard to fulfil his dream and had a lovely nature.

“He was down to earth and he was always polite with everyone,” Mr Dhillon said.

It’s understood the Indian national arrived in Australia in February 2022 to study hospitality management.

Mr Chopra’s father had funded his son’s tuition fees in order for the 21-year-old to have a better future in Australia, hoping his son would pay him back after achieving work.

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Since his unexpected death, Mr Chopra’s family will now have to pay back the loans while supporting his family in India.

Mr Malhotra has since created a GoFundMe to help Mr Chopra’s family to help repay the loans and assist in this dark time.

You can donate here.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Major Collision police unit are investigating the fatal crash, with investigations ongoing.