Hobart, Indiana – A three-vehicle crash on northbound I-65 left one person dead Saturday evening, prompting an OWI investigation beneath the 73rd Avenue overpass.
According to Indiana State Police, troopers responded at approximately 5:15 p.m. Saturday to the crash at the 253.6 mile-marker in Hobart. The collision occurred under the 73rd Avenue bridge and involved a converted retired school bus being used as a recreational vehicle, an SUV and a pickup truck.
Preliminary investigation indicates the bus/RV struck a bridge support for the overpass. Authorities said the force of the impact resulted in fatal injuries to the driver of the bus/RV, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger inside the bus/RV was airlifted by UCAN to the University of Chicago Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the SUV was not seriously injured.
During the on-scene investigation, troopers identified the pickup truck driver as David K. Rodgers, 48, of Gary, Indiana. Police said Rodgers allegedly displayed signs of alcohol impairment. An Operating While Intoxicated investigation was initiated.
According to Indiana State Police, Rodgers allegedly became combative and resisted troopers before being taken into custody. He was transported to a local hospital, where a search warrant for a blood draw was obtained and executed. Following the blood draw, Rodgers was taken to the Lake County Jail and is being held on a probable cause hold for Operating While Intoxicated involving a fatality.
The crash remains under investigation. Identification of the deceased will be made by the Lake County Coroner. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash camera footage is asked to contact Trooper Hathaway at 219-696-6242.
