A 24-year-old Indian student from Telangana pursuing a Master's degree in the United States tragically lost her life in a road accident near Chicago on Saturday night. The deceased has been identified as Navya Gadusu, a resident of Chervugattu village in Narketpalli mandal, Nalgonda district. She had moved to the US two years ago for higher studies.
Details of the accident
According to reports from ANI, the accident occurred at approximately 11:15 pm on northbound I-65, nearly a mile south of the Crown Point exit. Upon arrival, officers discovered one car blocking the center and right lanes, while a red minivan had veered off the road into a ditch. Navya was returning home after finishing a part-time job when a speeding car collided with the vehicle she was traveling in.
The Indian Consulate General in Chicago confirmed Navya's death and extended condolences to her family. In an official statement, the consulate said, "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."
Family's reaction
Navya's family expressed their grief, stating that they learned about the incident through her friends in the US. A family member said, "Navya went to the US two years ago to pursue her MS. We learned about the incident from her friends. They said she died after a speeding car hit their vehicle while she was returning from a part-time job."
Investigation findings
Three other individuals sustained injuries in the crash. Preliminary investigations revealed that the minivan, carrying seven adults, was moving at a very slow speed of around 10 to 15 mph while following another vehicle that had developed mechanical problems. Police reported that the driver of the other car failed to notice the slow-moving minivan in time and attempted to swerve left to avoid a collision. However, the vehicle struck the left side of the minivan, forcing it off the road and into a ditch. The vehicle with mechanical issues was not involved in the crash, according to a US media outlet.
Further investigation revealed that the minivan had only two front seats, while the remaining five occupants were seated on boxes of mangoes without seat belts. Several occupants sustained serious injuries in the collision. The Indian Consulate General in Chicago is in touch with the family and friends of the deceased, as well as community members assisting the injured.
