BATESVILLE — An Indianapolis man escaped serious injury after his semi and flatbed trailer filled with lumber careened into a wooded area, trapping the driver.
Indiana State Police were sent to a single-vehicle crash on I-75 eastbound near the 146 mile marker, said Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, Indiana State Police spokesman.
Trooper Matt Holley reported that a 2014 Kenworth tractor hauling a flatbed trailer filled with lumber, being driven by Mark Steffey, 48, Indianapolis, was traveling eastbound on I-74 near the 146 mile marker in Franklin County when the vehicle left the side of the roadway. The vehicle struck trees causing the lumber to spill from the trailer and collide with the cab of the truck. Due to the spilled lumber, it was difficult for the first troopers on the scene to locate the cab of the truck or Steffey, who was entrapped, Wheeles said.
Emergency crews that responded to the scene spent an hour attempting to free Steffey from the wreckage. Much of the lumber that covered the cab of the truck was removed by hand so crews could get to Steffey. Steffey was conscious and talking with first responders at the scene, Wheeles said.
Steffey was then flown to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis where it was determined his injuries did not appear to be life threatening.
Eastbound lanes of I-74 were closed for over an hour for crash cleanup and investigation. During the closure, traffic was diverted off of I-74 onto State Road 46 at the New Point exit.
