Tragedy in New York: 2 Indian Students from Cleveland State Killed in Crash

A road accident in the state of Pennsylvania has killed two Indian students of Cleveland State University, and the incident sent shockwaves throughout the Indian student community in America as condolence messages poured in from Indian as well as American authorities. Both Saurav Prabhakar, aged 23 years, and Manav Patel, aged 20 years, were students at the Ohio university and were driving in convoy when they were involved in the deadly crash early on May 10, 2025.

Pennsylvania State Police and Lancaster County Coroner's Office report that the accident occurred around 7:08 a.m. on the Pennsylvania Turnpike within Brecknock Township, Lancaster County, milepost 286.5. The car, which was said to be in the possession of Saurav Prabhakar, skidded off the road, hit a tree, and then crashed into a bridge. Prabhakar and Patel both suffered multiple traumatic injuries and were pronounced dead on the scene. Their deaths have been officially recognized as accidental by the local authorities.

A third rider, who was in the front of the car, was seriously injured and taken to Reading Hospital for immediate treatment. The condition of this person has not been revealed yet.

The Indian Consulate General in New York was quick to send condolences to the families of the victims, conveying heartfelt sympathies and deep regret. Keenly interested to hear about the tragic highway accident involving two Indian students at Cleveland State University, Manav Patel and Saurav Prabhakar, who lost their lives," the Consulate tweeted on X (formerly Twitter). "Our thoughts go out with sincerest condolences to the families who are in extreme need." The Consulate is in contact with the families and has offered all the help possible.". Consular staff have confirmed continued contact with the victims' families, facilitating repatriation of remains and simplification of formalities.

The unfortunate news has stunned the Cleveland State University community into shock, as students and members of staff mourn the untimely demise of the two men. Patel and Prabhakar were both described as young men full of promise who had traveled to the US with hopes of pursuing further studies and greener pastures. The university is said to be working together with the families and the Indian Consulate in ensuring all help is rendered.

The site of the crash, off the turnpike's main lanes, experienced no road closures, and the Pennsylvania State Police Forensic Services Unit is helping with the investigation to find the reasons for the accident. Initial observations show that the vehicle veered off the road for reasons as yet undetermined before the deadly collision with the bridge and tree.

This is the latest in a string of ghastly mishaps involving Indian students in the US that have underscored the risks and hardships faced by foreign students abroad. The Indian Consulate reasserted its commitment of assistance to Indian expats in such cases and requested the students to be cautious and take precautions while traveling.

While the parents of Manav Patel and Saurav Prabhakar are struggling with this tragic loss, the greater Indian diaspora community in America and around the world has expressed support and sympathies, while coming together with one voice against such tragic mishaps. Such an unfortunate mishap is a heartwarming reminder of life's value and need for sustenance for international students away from home.