A driver’s inattention caused a two vehicle crash Tuesday morning that sent both driver’s to the hospital.
At 7:43 A.M. this morning, 36 year old Lesley Smith of Dale was stopped in northbound traffic along US 231 just north of Interstate 64, waiting for a vehicle in front of her to turn into a private drive. As the truck turned and had cleared the roadway, Smith let her foot off the brake of her blue 2009 Ford Fusion to continue traveling north when she was rear ended by a white 2000 Ford Ranger pick-up truck, driven by 51 year old Karrie Eckert of Huntingburg. Eckert, at the last moment, noticed traffic was stopped but was unable to stop or avoid the collision.
Both drivers were transported to Memorial Hospital in Jasper for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The Ford Fusion and Ford Ranger were considered total losses. The use of seatbelts and airbag deployment helped to reduce further injuries to both Smith and Eckert. US 231 was closed for nearly 45 minutes while the crash was investigated and crews cleaned up the scene.
Investigating Officer: Captain Rob Priest
Assisting Agencies: Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Saint Henry Fire Department, Memorial Hospital EMS
