Wednesday, April 22, 2015

250-GALLONS OF FUEL SPILL AFTER A HEAD-ON CRASH BETWEEN SEMI-TRUCK AND CAR ON INDIANA 22. CAR DRIVER SEVERELY INJURED. SLOW DOWN WHEN YOU SEE ROAD CONSTRUCTION.




APRIL 21, 2015

Indiana 22 east of Greentown, re-opened this afternoon after it was closed this morning due to a head-on crash involving a semi and car.

Emergency workers closed part of the highway after the 9:40 a.m. crash.

The driver of the car, Helen McBride, 75, Swayzee, suffered a serious fracture to her leg and possible internal injuries in the 9:40 a.m. crash, Greentown Marshal Jeff Bennett said.

She was first taken to Community Howard Regional Health then transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Her condition is unknown.

The crash also caused a major diesel spill when the semi’s fuel tank ruptured, spilling about 250 gallons of diesel fuel on the road and ditch, Bennett said.

Bennett said McBride was traveling east on Indiana 22 near 1100 East in a 2007 Buick when she swerved to avoid hitting a Suzuki SUV stopped for state highway workers and hit a semi head-on. The impact of the crash caused McBride’s Buick to hit the SUV driven by James Williams, 34, of Kokomo. 

 Williams and the semi driver, Eddie Shartsock, 54, of New Castle, were not injured, Bennett said.

The highway workers were repairing potholes and cracks in the road.

The semi’s trailer was empty and the driver told police he had just filled up his diesel tanks.

With summer approaching, Bennett reminds motorist to be alert for continued road repairs and slow down.