Crime & Safety
Indiana US 36 Crash Today: 2 Dead, Semi Overturns and Catches Fire Oct 12
Greencastle, IN – Two people were killed and a semi truck driver was airlifted to a hospital following a devastating four vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon, October 13, on U.S. Highway 36 in Putnam Coun
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-10-13T01:37:00.112Z
Greencastle, IN – Two people were killed and a semi truck driver was airlifted to a hospital following a devastating four vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon, October 13, on U.S. Highway 36 in Putnam County, west of the Indianapolis metropolitan area.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff 's Office, emergency personnel were dispatched around 4:10 p.m. to U.S. 36, west of U.S. 231, following reports of a serious multi vehicle collision.
Investigators said witness statements indicate three vehicles were traveling eastbound when the lead vehicle crossed the center line and collided head on with a westbound semi truck.
Both occupants of the lead vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.
The vehicle sustained extensive damage during the collision.
Responding emergency crews also encountered an overturned semi truck and bulk hauler that had caught fire.
Authorities reported that fuel leaking from the semi truck spread beneath two additional vehicles involved in the crash, causing subsequent fires.
Those vehicles had sustained minor damage before the flames spread.
The sheriff's office confirmed that no occupants suffered burn injuries from the vehicle fires.
The semi truck driver was airlifted to a medical facility for treatment. Before being transported, the driver was conscious and able to speak with deputies at the crash scene.
Officials have not released the driver's medical condition or the identities of the two people killed.
The crash remains under active investigation , and authorities are withholding identifying information pending additional notifications and investigative work.
Putnam County Sheriff Jerrod Baugh asked the community to remember the victims, their families and the emergency personnel who responded to the deadly collision.
Multiple emergency agencies assisted at the scene, including Putnam County EMS and fire departments from Greencastle, Bainbridge and Russellville.
Investigators have not announced whether speed, impairment or other contributing factors played a role.
The sheriff's office has also not provided an estimated timeline for reopening the affected highway in its initial release.
Motorists traveling along U.S. 36 near U.S. 231 should check current road conditions and follow any posted traffic restrictions.
Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.