International News: A spiritual trip turned into a nightmare in the United States when four elderly Indian-origin residents were killed in a horrific car accident while traveling from New York to West Virginia. The group had set out to visit the famous ‘Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold’, a major Hindu pilgrimage site, but their vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a deep ravine, ending their journey in tragedy.
Victims identified
Marshall County Sheriff Mike Dougherty confirmed the deaths and released the names of those killed:
- Asha Diwan (85)
- Kishore Diwan (89)
- Shailesh Diwan (86)
- Geeta Diwan (84)
The four had been part of the Indian-American community for decades, regularly attending cultural gatherings and religious events. Friends say this trip had a special spiritual meaning for them.
The trail went cold after July 29
Authorities say the group was driving a 2009 lime-green Toyota Camry with license plate EKW2611.
- July 29: The last confirmed sighting came from a Burger King in Pennsylvania, where CCTV showed two members of the group entering the restaurant.
- Their final credit card payment was also recorded there.
- Not long after, the Pennsylvania license plate tracking system picked up their vehicle heading south on Interstate-79, then all communication stopped.
How the accident unfolded
- Investigators believe the car lost control on a hilly section of road in West Virginia.
- The vehicle slipped off the pavement and plunged into a remote ditch.
- The exact moment of the crash remains unknown.
- Because the spot was hidden from view, no one noticed the wreck for days.
Discovery of the wreckage
- The search ended late Saturday night, when emergency crews finally located the car around 9:30 p.m.
- The Toyota was lying upside down in a steep gully.
- Recovery teams spent more than five hours retrieving the four bodies.
Sheriff Dougherty called the loss “heartbreaking,” adding: “We will release more findings once the investigation is finished. For now, our thoughts are with the grieving families.”
The search operation involved many hands
- When the four were reported missing, Marshall and Ohio County officials launched an extensive search.
- The Council of Heritage and Arts of India joined the effort, helping authorities comb the surrounding areas.
- Police deployed drones and surveillance systems along highways for clues.
The ‘Palace of Gold’ — their destination
- The group’s journey was meant to end at Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, a striking Hindu landmark in West Virginia.
- Often called the “Taj Mahal of America,” the temple is famous for its gold-plated walls, marble floors, and ornate carvings.
- Thousands visit the shrine each year for prayer and reflection.
- The Diwan family’s sacred trip was tragically cut short before they could reach the temple.
Community in mourning
- The accident has left the Indian community across the US reeling with grief.
- Friends described the Diwans as pillars of their cultural circle who were deeply respected.
- The Indian Consulate in New York has extended condolences and promised full support to relatives.
- This devastating loss has shaken Indian-origin families across the United States. Officials continue to examine the crash site and have promised a full report once the investigation is complete.
