La Porte County, Indiana — A crash involving a semi tractor and two other vehicles led to one fatality and several injuries.
According to La Porte County Sheriff’s Department reports the crash unfolded late Sunday morning on US 421 when a red Jeep, heading north and driven by Amanda L. Bolka, 34, from South Bend, initially collided with a southbound blue Kenworth tractor, operated by Carl F. Thomas, 50, of Knox. The crash was followed by the tractor veering into the opposite lane, striking a black Buick SUV head-on.
The SUV driver, critically injured in the second collision, was airlifted to a regional hospital but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. Bolka was transported to a hospital for treatment, and a passenger in the SUV was also hospitalized. The tractor driver, Thomas, refused on-scene medical attention.
The Fatal Alcohol Crash Team (FACT) is investigating the incident, with toxicology results pending. The identity of the deceased SUV driver is withheld pending family notification. An investigation, supported by several local departments, is ongoing.