A 25-year-old Indian student, Navya Gadusu, died after a road accident on Interstate 65 near Crown Point in Lake County, Indiana, close to Chicago, in the early hours of Sunday (US time). Six other individuals were injured in the crash, officials confirmed on Monday (Indian Standard Time). The Lake County Coroner's Office confirmed she was pronounced dead at 12:16 a.m. on Sunday, with the cause of death recorded as blunt force traumatic injuries sustained in the collision.

How the Accident Unfolded

According to the Indiana State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. on Saturday. A red minivan carrying seven adults was travelling at a very low speed of 10 to 15 miles per hour behind another vehicle that was reportedly experiencing mechanical trouble. A car approaching from behind failed to register the minivan's slow pace and attempted to swerve left to avoid a collision. The manoeuvre was unsuccessful — the vehicle struck the left side of the minivan with significant force, causing it to veer off the road and plunge into a ditch. Authorities clarified that the vehicle with mechanical issues, which the minivan had been following, was not involved in the impact.

Unsafe Seating Conditions Inside the Van

A detail that has drawn particular attention from investigators: the minivan was fitted with only two front seats. According to police, the remaining five passengers were seated on boxes of mangoes and were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. The absence of proper seating and restraints is expected to form a key part of the ongoing investigation. The circumstances surrounding the accident continue to be probed by the Indiana State Police.

Indian Consulate Responds

The Indian Consulate General in Chicago expressed grief over Gadusu's death and said it is in constant contact with her bereaved family. 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 is in touch with the family of the deceased. We are also in touch with friends and members of community who are assisting those injured in the accident.'

A Pattern of Concern for Indian Students Abroad

Gadusu's death comes amid a broader pattern of fatalities involving Indian students in the United States in recent years, prompting recurring calls for greater safety awareness among the Indian student diaspora. Road safety violations — including overloaded vehicles and the absence of seat belts — remain a documented risk factor in such incidents. The Indian government has previously urged its missions abroad to maintain active outreach with student communities in the wake of such tragedies. As the investigation continues, the consulate's involvement signals that the case is being monitored at an official level.