Driver injured in National Road collision

One driver was flown to an Indianapolis hospital after his Mercedes Benz crashed into the rear of a semi on Columbus’ northwest side.

The 4:12 p.m. crash Friday afternoon occurred on National Road as a semi owned by Columbus Container Inc. was slowing down to turn right onto Commerce Drive.

The driver of the black Mercedes E350 did not see the rig slowing down, and ran into the back of a trailer, witnesses said.

When first responders arrived, the driver of the car was trapped, and police called for the IU Health Lifeline helicopter.

The Mercedes’ top was cut off by Columbus firefighters to remove the driver. He was then placed in an ambulance to be checked before being flown by helicopter to Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis. The helicopter landed in the former Chevrolet of Columbus location near the accident scene.

Traffic in the southbound lanes on U.S. 31 was diverted on to Old Indianapolis Road after the accident.