At approximately 1:46 p.m. on Friday, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash near the intersection of US 31 and County Road 600 North. Preliminary investigation shows that a 2008 gray Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 75-year-old William Dickison of Kokomo, was traveling eastbound on County Road 600 North.Evidence shows the Silverado entered the southbound lanes of US 31 and was struck by a 2003 Freightliner tractor trailer, driven by 62-year-old Vehbo Poturak of Sterling Heights, Michigan. The semi made an unsuccessful attempt to brake and avoid the Silverado before the collision. The impact caused the Freightliner to cross into the northbound lanes and was struck by a 2019 Kenworth tractor trailer, driven by 46 year old Scott Herrell of Rochester, Indiana.
Dickison, Poturak, and Herrell were the only occupants in the vehicles. Dickison was flown, via medical helicopter from the scene and later died at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. Poturak and Herrell were not injured.
Witnesses stated they observed the Silverado stop at the intersection then proceeded eastbound into the path of the semi-tractor trailer. This area of US 31 is under construction. Howard County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstructionist were called to the scene along with troopers from the Indiana State Police.
This case is still under investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Keith Chesshir at 765-614-3469.