Graduate Student Dies After Minivan Crashes into Ditch. Passengers Had Been Seated on Boxes of Mangos, Police Say

A tragic accident on an Indiana highway has claimed the life of 25-year-old Navya Gadusu, a graduate student from India. Gadusu died following a two-vehicle collision on the northbound side of Interstate 65, near Crown Point, on the evening of Saturday, May 16.

According to the Indiana State Police, the incident occurred around 11:15 p.m. when a red 2016 Dodge minivan, carrying seven passengers, was travelling at a slow speed of approximately 10 to 15 mph in the right lane. The minivan was following closely behind another vehicle that was experiencing mechanical difficulties. As a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban approached from the rear, its driver failed to notice the minivan’s reduced speed in time to avoid a collision.

The driver of the Suburban attempted to swerve to the left in a bid to avoid the minivan but was unable to do so successfully. Consequently, the Suburban struck the rear left side of the minivan. This impact caused the minivan to veer off the road and into a ditch, while the vehicle it had been following remained unharmed.

Inside the minivan, only the front two seats were properly secured; the remaining five occupants were sitting on boxes of mangos without proper restraint systems in place. The lack of safety measures contributed greatly to the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident. Following the crash, several individuals were rushed to local hospitals, with four ultimately being transferred to medical facilities in the Chicago area for further treatment.

It was later confirmed by the Lake County Coroner’s Office that Gadusu succumbed to her injuries while receiving care. Reports indicate that she died from blunt force traumatic injuries, as a result of the accident.

Hailing from southern India, Gadusu had moved to the United States two years ago to further her education and pursue a master’s degree. Friends informed her family of her tragic demise when they learned of the incident from news reports. According to The Times of India, Gadusu was returning home from a part-time job when the crash occurred.

Her family is devastated by the loss. In a GoFundMe campaign set up to support her family and cover expenses, her aunt shared that Gadusu had come to the U.S. with aspirations like many international students: to study diligently, achieve her academic goals, and create a better future for her family. As of May 19, the fundraiser had garnered nearly £70,000 in support.

The Indiana State Police has launched an investigation into the crash, but as of now, no charges have been brought against any individuals involved. A spokesperson from the police department reminded drivers of the crucial importance of wearing seat belts while driving and highlighted the safety measures to take if a vehicle experiences mechanical issues. They advised that in such situations, drivers should pull onto the shoulder or emergency lane, activate hazard lights, and remain off the roadway until assistance arrives.

As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, the local community is mourning the loss of a promising young woman who had ambitions to succeed in her studies and support her loved ones back in India.