A 25-year-old Indian student died in a road accident near Chicago in the United States, leaving six other people injured. The victim was identified as Navya Gadusu, who was originally from Telangana’s Nalgonda district and was living in Chicago.
The crash happened late Saturday night, 16th May, on Interstate 65 near Crown Point in Lake County, Indiana.
Officials from the Lake County Coroner’s Office said Navya was declared dead at 12:16 am on Sunday. Her death was caused by blunt force injuries suffered during the accident.
The minivan was moving slowly behind another vehicle
Indiana State Police said the accident took place around 11:15 pm. A red minivan carrying seven adults was travelling slowly on the highway because it was following another vehicle that had developed mechanical trouble.
Police said the minivan was moving at around 10 to 15 mph when another vehicle approached from behind. The driver reportedly did not realise the van was moving at such a low speed and tried to turn left to avoid it.
However, the vehicle hit the left side of the minivan, causing it to leave the road and fall into a ditch. Authorities said the vehicle with mechanical problems was not involved in the collision.
The passengers were not using seat belts
During the investigation, police found that the minivan had only two front seats. The remaining five passengers were sitting on boxes of mangoes inside the vehicle, and none of them had seat belts on.
The accident injured six people travelling in the minivan.
Indian Consulate extends support
The Indian Consulate General in Chicago expressed grief over Navya Gadusu’s death and offered condolences to her family.
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…
— India in Chicago (@IndiainChicago) May 18, 2026
In a message shared on X, the Consulate said it was deeply saddened by the loss and added that officials were in touch with Navya’s family. It also said it was coordinating with friends and members of the local community who are helping the injured after the accident.
