Head-On Collision Claims Six Lives En Route to Niagara Falls
Head-On Collision Claims Six Lives En Route to
A tragic head-on collision near the Pennsylvania–Ohio border claimed the lives of six Indian nationals who were on their way to Niagara Falls for a weekend getaway. The accident occurred on Interstate 90 when a minivan carrying seven people crossed the median and collided head-on with another vehicle.
The minivan, filled with employees and family members from Syntel Inc., an IT company based in Michigan, was part of a two-vehicle convoy heading to Niagara Falls. After leaving a rest stop, the van veered into oncoming traffic for unknown reasons and struck a Hyundai Sonata. The minivan flipped and landed on its roof.
The victims were identified as Kaushik Deb (26), Manoj Jharia (35), Mili Jharia (28), Nitin Agarwal (29), Swati Agarwal (25), and Shubham Choudory (24). All were residents of Michigan and citizens of India. The only survivor from the van, Nitin Gupta (28), suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital before being released.
The driver of the other vehicle, Melanie Cesnick (25), also sustained injuries but survived the crash.
Police launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Toxicology tests were ordered for the driver of the minivan, but no immediate signs of intoxication or mechanical failure were reported. Authorities described the crash as a tragic and unforeseeable incident.
Following the crash, Indian consulate officials assisted with repatriation of the victims’ bodies to their families in India. Vigils were held both in Michigan and India to honor the lives lost.
The incident sent shockwaves through the Indian-American community and sparked discussions around road safety, especially during long interstate travel. Friends and colleagues described the victims as hardworking professionals who had bright futures ahead of them.
This heartbreaking event stands as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety for all travelers.
