US: Indian student killed in road accident near Chicago
Chicago, May 18
An Indian student was killed in a two-vehicle crash near Chicago in the US. The accident took place on Interstate 65 in Crown Point, Indiana, late Saturday night, CBS News reported, quoting the Indiana State Police.
According to the police, the crash occurred around 11:15 pm on the northbound I-65, about a mile south of the Crown Point exit. Responding troopers found a car blocking the centre and right lanes, while a red minivan had veered into a ditch on the right side of the roadway.
The Indian Consulate General in Chicago confirmed the death of an Indian student, identified as Navya Gadusu, and expressed heartfelt condolences.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing away of Indian student Navya Gadusu in a road accident near Chicago. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with the family of the deceased. We are also in touch with friends and members of the community who are assisting those injured in the accident," the consulate said.
CBS News reported that three other people were injured in the accident. Preliminary investigation revealed that the minivan, carrying seven adults, was travelling in the right lane at an extremely slow speed of around 10 to 15 mph while following another vehicle experiencing mechanical problems.
Police said the driver of the car failed to realise how slowly the minivan was moving and attempted to swerve left to avoid a collision. However, the car struck the left side of the minivan, forcing it off the roadway and into a ditch. The vehicle with mechanical issues was not involved in the crash, CBS reported.
Further investigation revealed that the minivan had only two front seats, while the remaining five occupants were seated on boxes of mangos without seat belts, police said.
Several occupants sustained serious injuries in the collision. Four people were initially taken to local hospitals before being transferred to hospitals in the Chicago area for further treatment.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Such a tragedy. Indiàns going abroad for education often face risks. The fact that five people were sitting on mango boxes without seat belts is shocking. Hope this leads to stricter vehicle safety enforcement for everyone, especially students. Sending strength to her family.
This is painfully common. Indian students die in US accidents year after year. While we mourn Navya's loss, I wish our governments would promote safer travel awareness abroad. Also, driving a minivan with boxes instead of seats is illegal—so why did nobody stop them earlier? 😤
Deeply saddened. But also, why were people being transported like cargo? No seat belts, sitting on produce… that's risky anywhere. The driver of the car also failed to anticipate slow speed. Two mistakes combined led to this. Condolences to all affected. 🙏
As a US-based reader, this hits close to home. The lack of seat belts and proper seating in the minivan is irresponsible. Roads can be unforgiving here, especially at night. My condolences to Navya's family. I hope the Indian community around Chicago supports her friends who are injured.
So young, so much potential lost. 😞 This makes me reflect on how we often neglect basic safety precautions when traveling with groups in small vehicles. The consulate did the right thing by extending condolences, but I hope they help the injured get proper medical care too.
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