Chicago (USA): A 24-year-old Indian student pursuing her Master of Science degree in the United States has tragically lost her life following a severe road accident near Chicago. The deceased, identified as Navya Gadusu, hailed from Chervugattu village in the Nalgonda district of Telangana. Family members in India learned of the devastating mishap through her friends in the US, who noted that she was returning home from a part-time job when the collision occurred.
The fatal incident took place late Saturday evening on the northbound lanes of Interstate 65 in Crown Point, Indiana. According to the Indiana State Police, emergency responders arrived at the scene around 11:15 p.m. to find a car blocking the centre and right lanes, while a red minivan had veered into a roadside ditch. Preliminary investigations indicated that the minivan, which was carrying seven adults, was travelling at an extremely slow speed of 10 to 15 miles per hour while trailing another vehicle experiencing mechanical difficulties.
Police reported that the driver of the trailing car failed to realise how slowly the minivan was moving and attempted an evasive left turn. The car struck the left side of the minivan, forcing it off the roadway. State troopers later discovered that the minivan only contained two front seats, meaning the remaining five passengers were riding without seat belts while seated on boxes of mangoes. The crash left several occupants with serious injuries, and four individuals were transported to local medical facilities before being transferred to Chicago-area hospitals.
The Consulate General of India in Chicago expressed deep sadness over Gadusu’s passing, offering heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Consulate officials confirmed they are in contact with the family and are working alongside community members to support the injured victims. Meanwhile, the grieving family in Telangana has informed state officials to help coordinate necessary arrangements with the US Embassy.
