The five, all hailing from Andhra Pradesh and studying for MS degree in information technology in Eastern Illinois University, was returning home on a Honda Accord [Images] when the policewoman's SUV, speeding on the wrong lane, hit them head-on in Des Peres, authorities said.

Four of the students -- Anusha Anumolu (23), Satya [Images] S Chinta (25), Anita Lakshmi (23) and Priya Muppvarapu (23) -- died on the spot while 27-year-old Nitesh Adusumilli, who was driving the car, was seriously injured.

The policewoman, identified as 41-year-old Chrissy Miller, was off-duty from her job at the Sunset Hills Police Department. She is also in a critical condition at St John's Mercy Medical Center in Creve Coeur, media reports said.

"They had a plan to go to an Indian restaurant and were going to bowling alley, and they were returning back to home," said Suren Pathuri, an acquaintance of the victims. He said the bodies of the four victims will be sent to India.

"We do suspect that alcohol may have played a part in this crash on Miss Miller's part," said Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergent Al Nothum.

"The investigation is ongoing," he said.

Members of the Indian community are shocked over the death of the youngsters, who had their promising careers tragically cut short.

"They had to end up their life in such a fashion," Pathuri told US media. "That's a great shock for or everybody. Not just the Indian community, the Telegu people, the whole St Louis area," Pathuri added.

Sunset Hills Police Chief William [Images] LaGrand said Miller is a patrol officer who has had a variety of different assignments and that everyone in the force was devastated

"Miller was a good police officer who to my recollection did not have any problems in the 12 years she was with us," said LaGrand.