A 25-year-old Chicago woman was killed and several others were seriously injured following a late-night crash on Interstate 65 near Crown Point, according to Indiana State Police and the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
Indiana State Police troopers responded around 11:15 p.m. Saturday to a two-vehicle crash on northbound I-65 near the 246.2 mile-marker, approximately one mile south of the Crown Point exit.
When troopers arrived, they located a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban blocking the center and right lanes of the interstate and a red 2016 Dodge minivan in a ditch off the roadway.
According to preliminary investigators, the minivan, occupied by seven adults, had been traveling at an extremely low speed of approximately 10 to 15 mph in the right lane while following another vehicle experiencing mechanical issues. Police said the driver of the Chevrolet Suburban did not realize how slowly the minivan was moving and attempted to avoid a collision by swerving left. Despite the maneuver, the Chevrolet struck the rear driver’s side of the minivan, causing it to leave the roadway and crash into the ditch. The disabled vehicle the minivan had been following was not involved in the collision.
Investigators later discovered only the two front seats remained installed inside the minivan. Police said the other five passengers were seated on boxes of mangos and were not properly restrained at the time of the crash.
Several occupants suffered severe injuries. Four people were initially transported to local hospitals before being transferred to hospitals in the Chicago area for additional treatment.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased passenger as Navya Gadusu, 25, of Chicago, Illinois. Coroner officials said Gadusu suffered blunt force traumatic injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at 12:16 a.m. Sunday at Franciscan Health Crown Point.
A forensic autopsy is scheduled to be performed Monday at the Lake County Forensic Center in Crown Point.
Northbound I-65 was shut down for approximately two hours while troopers investigated the crash and crews cleared the scene.
Indiana State Police reminded motorists of the importance of wearing seatbelts and ensuring all passengers are properly restrained. Troopers also advised drivers experiencing vehicle problems to pull completely onto the shoulder or emergency berm and activate hazard lights until assistance arrives.
The crash remains under investigation.
