A four vehicle crash spanned both directions of I-65 near 30th Street and caused major traffic congestion throughout the entire afternoon Thursday. Just before 10 a.m, emergency crews were called to the scene of a large crash scene and 911 callers were reporting an overhead sign had collapsed onto the southbound lanes. Upon arrival first responders determined there were no injuries however travel lanes in both directions required significant restrictions due to the large debris field and the collapsed sign.
Preliminary investigation determined a northbound semi tractor-trailer, loaded with autoparts, hit the concrete median wall ripping the side of the trailer open and spilling the contents onto the interstate. When the semi hit the wall it also struck an upright overhead sign support causing it to collapse onto the southbound lanes. Three other vehicles were struck by debris however none of those drivers were injured.
Investigating Officer, Sergeant Brent Alspaugh, believes speed was a factor in this crash. The southbound lanes were closed until 4:30 this afternoon, INDOT was diverting all southbound traffic onto I-465 southbound. The left two northbound lanes were also closed throughout the day as heavy equipment had to be brought in for clean-up. The driver of the semi was identified as 27 year old Cody Harter and he was driving a 2015 Peterbilt.