INDIANAPOLIS — Northbound lanes of Interstate 65 near Interstate 465 South in Indianapolis will remain closed until about noon after a two-vehicle crash that killed one of the drivers.
Shortly before 5:30 a.m. this morning, emergency crews were sent to the northbound lanes of I-65 near the 106 mile marker for reports of a serious crash. Initial reports indicated a semi had rolled over and was blocking the northbound lanes.
Indiana State Police said one trooper who was responding to the crash noticed a passenger car on the southbound side near the crash scene with substantial damage. Upon checking that vehicle the trooper found the driver unconscious and seriously injured. Despite life-saving efforts by responding paramedics, the driver of that vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
At 3:25 p.m. today, Indiana State Police identified the driver as 28-year-old Omokhoje Daudu of Indianapolis. He was driving a 2012 Buick Lacrosse.
Preliminary investigation has determined a large piece of the rear of one of the trailers broke loose from and struck the southbound vehicle causing the fatal injuries to Daudu, state police said.
Preliminary reports indicate a semi pulling double semi trailers was entering the northbound construction zone just north of the I-465 ramp when it lost control during a lane shift, state police said.
The driver of the semi was alert and conscious however he was transported to the hospital with injuries. Investigators are working to determine what part of the semi struck the car, however it is believed one of the trailers leaned over the wall in the process of rolling-over and hit the car, which was traveling in the southbound left lane.
The driver of the semi is identified as 42-year-old John Brimhall II of Indianapolis. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this crash but by state statute the driver of the semi will submit to a blood test for intoxication, state police said. The deceased driver has been identified, however their identity will not be released until the family has been notified.
The southbound lanes were closed for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated and cleaned up. The northbound lanes were expected to open by noon today.
