A tragic road accident on Interstate 65 near Chicago claimed the life of a 25-year-old Indian student, Navya Gadusu, and left six others injured. The incident occurred on Saturday, as confirmed by local media reports and the Lake County Coroner’s Office, which pronounced Gadusu dead at 12:16 a.m. on Sunday.
Details of the Accident
According to a statement released by the Illinois State Police, the accident involved a minivan that was traveling behind a vehicle experiencing mechanical issues. The driver of another car, failing to notice how slowly the minivan was moving, attempted to swerve left to avoid a collision. However, the car struck the left side of the minivan, causing it to veer off the road and into a ditch. The vehicle with mechanical problems was not hit, authorities said.
Lack of Safety Measures
Further investigation revealed that the minivan had only its two front seats installed. The remaining five passengers were seated on boxes of mangoes and were not wearing seat belts, the state police noted. This lack of proper seating and restraint likely contributed to the severity of the injuries.
Consulate Response
The Indian Consulate General in Chicago expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a post on X, the Consulate stated, “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 also confirmed that it is in touch with Gadusu’s family, as well as friends and community members who are assisting those injured in the accident.
The tragic event highlights the importance of road safety and the need for proper vehicle maintenance and seating arrangements, especially when traveling with multiple passengers.
