DECATUR COUNTY — A Florida woman died and a Columbus woman was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash on State Road 46 near County Road 750W in Decatur County.
Indiana State Police were sent to the crash at 2:40 p.m. Saturday.
The initial investigation by Trooper Jacob Tolle, Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team, indicated that a white 2006 Honda Odyssey mini-van being driven by Wanda Lutane, 61, Columbus, was traveling westbound on State Route 46 near County Road 750 West, said Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, Indiana State Police spokesman.
For an unknown reason, Lutane’s vehicle crossed the centerline into the path of an eastbound gray 2015 Toyota Camry, being driven by Maria Verona Garcia, 42, West Palm Beach, Florida, Wheeles said.
The vehicles collided head-on in the eastbound lane of State Route 46, Wheeles said. As a result of the crash, Garcia’s vehicle overturned. Both vehicles came to rest in the roadway, entrapping all occupants.
Garcia sustained fatal injuries in the crash, Wheeles said. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Decatur County Coroner’s Office. Lutane was transported by medical helicopter to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment of serious injuries. Her current condition is unknown. A passenger in Garcia’s vehicle, Koceila Chaouadi, 33, Columbus, Indiana was transported to St. Vincent’s Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
All occupants were believed to have been wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash and toxicology results are pending as the investigation continues, Wheeles said.
Tolle was assisted by Tooper Matt Holley and Trooper Andrew Garrett, Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team, Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, Decatur County EMS and fire departments andthe Decatur County Coroner’s Office.
