COLUMBUS, Ind. –A local man was killed in a 7:31 a.m. accident in the 2000 block of North State Road 46.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Capt. David Steinkoenig and Hope Town Marshall
Matt Tallent located a victim partially ejected from the vehicle, later identified as Kevin Burton, 50, of Columbus, deputies said. Deputies said Burton died at the scene.
Based on witness statements, deputies said it appears that a SUV being driven by Tammy Janes, 53, of Hope, was traveling southbound on State Road 46 just south of its intersection with State Road 9 with Burton, who was driving a pickup truck, was following behind. As the two drivers were traveling down the roadway, an SUV driven by Tracy Toddy, 32, of Hope, allegedly crossed the center line for an unknown reason, deputies said.
Based on witness statements, deputies said Toddy’s vehicle struck Janes’ vehicle on the driver’s side rear bumper but continued into the oncoming lane and struck Burton’s vehicle. After the collision Burton’s vehicle came to rest on its side with Burton entrapped underneath the vehicle, deputies said.
Janes was uninjured, Toddy was flown to Indianapolis for unknown injuries.
The investigation for the accident is still ongoing.
Assisting deputies: Lt. TA Smith, Sgt. Arnholt, Deputy Clark, Deputy Martoccia, Deputy Bagby and Hope Town Marshall Matt Tallent
Assisting agencies: CRH EMS, Columbus Fire Department, STAT Flight, Clay Township Fire Department, Hartsville Fire Department, Hope Police Department and Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office.
