Crime & Safety
Lake County, IN I-65 Crash: 2 Seriously Hurt in Head-On Collision
Hobart, IN – Two drivers were hospitalized with potentially life threatening injuries early Monday, Oct. 26, after a wrong way SUV collided nearly head on with another vehicle on Interstate 65 in nort
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-26T20:24:31.654Z
Hobart, IN – Two drivers were hospitalized with potentially life threatening injuries early Monday, Oct. 26, after a wrong way SUV collided nearly head on with another vehicle on Interstate 65 in northwest Indiana, forcing a highway closure lasting approximately three hours.
According to Indiana State Police, emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls around 2:36 a.m. reporting a wrong way collision on northbound I 65 near mile marker 257.5, between 61st Avenue and Ridge Road in Lake County.
Witnesses reported a white vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes before striking a black SUV that was traveling in the correct direction.
Both drivers reportedly attempted to avoid the collision.
When troopers arrived, they discovered both motorists unconscious and pinned inside their vehicles.
Officers immediately began providing first aid until Hobart Fire Department personnel arrived to assist with the emergency response.
Both drivers required extrication from their vehicles due to the severity of the crash.
A preliminary investigation determined that a white 2016 Hyundai SUV was traveling southbound in the northbound inside lane when it collided with a black Nissan SUV traveling northbound.
Following the impact, the Hyundai came to rest on the inside shoulder, while the Nissan stopped on the outside shoulder.
Both drivers were transported to the University of Chicago for emergency medical treatment.
Northbound I 65 was closed for approximately three hours while crash reconstruction specialists investigated the scene.
Indiana State Police said alcohol and/or drugs are believed to be contributing factors , although the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities indicated that once investigators complete their findings, the case will be forwarded to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office for review of possible criminal charges.
Police have not released the identities of the drivers or provided updated information about their medical conditions.