NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Columbus, GA, April 19, 2025: An Indian student studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa was critically injured in a pedestrian accident in Columbus, Georgia, on the evening of April 12.
The victim, identified as Mirna Balakumar, originally from Salem, Tamil Nadu, India, was reportedly hit by a vehicle while crossing the road near her residence around 7:00 p.m. ET. The exact details of the incident remain unclear, and authorities have not yet released an official report on the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Mirna had been living with a friend in Columbus to reduce living expenses while pursuing a hybrid Master’s program at Indiana Wesleyan University. After visiting a nearby store earlier that evening, she was returning home when the accident occurred.
A police officer at the scene used Mirna’s phone to inform her husband, V.K. Balakumar, who remains in Salem, India, of the accident. Due to difficulty understanding the officer’s accent, Balakumar requested assistance from a close friend. The friend contacted the police and later the emergency room at Piedmont Columbus Regional – Midtown, where Mirna had been transported.
The hospital issued a letter supporting the family’s application for an emergency visa to travel to the U.S.
As of the early morning hours of April 13, Mirna had undergone two surgeries, and her condition remained critical. According to ICU staff, bleeding in her liver had been controlled, and she was placed under sedation to manage pain. An MRI scan has been scheduled to evaluate brain function.
According to the latest update from doctors, Mirna’s condition is slowly improving. The liver bleeding has stopped, and the medical team is beginning the process of reducing sedation to assess her response.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Authorities have not released details about the driver or any charges filed.
Cover photo: Mirna Balakumar/LinkedIn
