CROTHERSVILLE — Two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on I-65 southbound near the 38 mile marker in Jackson County.
Indiana State Police said the accident happened at about 10 a.m. Sunday in the backup from a previous crash that occurred in the southbound lanes at about 6 a.m., state police said.
In the earlier crash, a southbound tractor trailer left the west side of I-65 and collided with a guardrail before coming to rest off the roadway after colliding with trees, state police said. The driver of that single vehicle crash was not injured, state police said.
As a result of the first crash, traffic was backed up for removal of the vehicle. A 2016 Freightliner pulling a trailer, being driven by Hal E. Hash, 48, Corbin, Kentucky was slowed in the left lane of I-65 southbound near the 38 mile marker. A 2017 Jeep Wrangler, being driven by Connie A. Anderson, 46, Crothersville, Indiana failed to slow for the stopped traffic. Anderson’s vehicle collided with the back of Hash’s trailer. Anderson’s vehicle entered the median before coming to rest.
Anderson was transported to Scott Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. A six year old female backseat passenger in Anderson’s vehicle sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries. She was also transported to Scott Memorial Hospital for treatment. The investigation also determined that the proper use of seatbelts kept both Anderson and the child from sustaining more serious and possibly life threatening injuries.
During the crash investigation, I-65 southbound was closed for nearly two hours. During the closure, traffic was diverted off I-65 at exit 41. Traffic was detoured onto U.S. 31 southbound from I-65.
Both crashes remain under investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in either crash.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Crothersville Police Department, Jackson County EMS, Vernon Township Fire Department, and 31 Wrecker Service.
