Indian student killed in crash near Chicago

An Indian student was killed, and several others were injured, following a late-night two-vehicle crash near Chicago, according to Indiana State Police and the Indian Consulate General in Chicago.

The collision occurred Saturday around 11:15 p.m. on Interstate 65 in Crown Point, Indiana, approximately one mile south of the Crown Point exit, CBS News reported.

Responding officers discovered a damaged passenger vehicle blocking the center and right lanes of northbound I-65, while a red minivan involved in the crash had veered into a ditch alongside the roadway.

The Indian Consulate General in Chicago later identified the deceased student as Navya Gadusu and issued a statement expressing condolences to her family and friends.

“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,” the consulate said.

According to preliminary findings from investigators, the minivan was carrying seven adults and traveling at an unusually slow speed of approximately 10 to 15 miles per hour while following another vehicle experiencing mechanical issues.

Police said the driver of the approaching car failed to recognize how slowly the minivan was moving and attempted to swerve left to avoid impact. Authorities said the car ultimately struck the left side of the minivan, forcing it off the roadway and into a ditch.

Investigators noted that the vehicle experiencing mechanical problems was not directly involved in the crash.

CBS News reported that three additional people suffered injuries in the collision. Officials said four individuals were initially transported to local hospitals before later being transferred to medical facilities in the Chicago area for further treatment.

During the investigation, police also discovered that the minivan contained only two front seats. Authorities said the remaining five passengers were seated on boxes of mangos without seat belts at the time of the collision.

Several occupants sustained serious injuries, according to investigators, as authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.