This morning at about 1:00 a.m. on I-65 northbound near the 160 mile marker (that is two miles north of the SR 28/158 exit), a three vehicle crash has claimed the life of a semi driver.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Peter Stephens has revealed that a 2007 Freightliner truck driven by Eric L. Woudema, 44 of Rensselaer, IN, was NB partially blocking the right lane.
He was pulling an actuator with a lighted arrow board on the truck directing traffic into the left lane. A second vehicle, 2015 Chevrolet pickup driven by Troy D. Whitkanack, 47 of Fairbanks, IN was pulling a trailer with two construction workers picking up traffic cones.
Both trucks are owned by Milestone Construction out of Indianapolis. A semi-tractor/trailer rig failed to slow or follow traffic signs and hit the left rear of the actuator, side swiped the Freightliner and then sideswiped the pickup truck and the trailer.
The semi rig continued northbound and drove off the right side of the roadway, rolled onto its left side and came to rest.
The driver of the semi rig was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Clinton County Coroner. No one else was injured in the crash.
It is unknown at this time of vehicle information on the semi. Notification of family is pending. Both of the other two vehicles sustained damage but appear to be drivable.
The trailer on the pickup was destroyed. The investigation is continuing.
This is a construction area with ample signs and markings along the roadway to notify drivers of the construction ahead. Slow down while traveling through construction zone. The life you save may be your own.
