Jasper County, IN – A truck driver was killed late Monday after a multi-vehicle crash involving three semi-trucks shut down all southbound lanes of I-65 near the 218 mile-marker, causing significant delays and a full interstate closure for cleanup and investigation.
According to Indiana State Police, the collision occurred at approximately 10 p.m. Monday, about two miles south of the Fair Oaks exit and three miles north of Rensselaer. Troopers reported that slowed traffic in the area was due to ongoing construction, which led to a red bobtail tractor stopping in the right lane.
Police allege that a blue semi-truck and trailer, approaching at a high rate of speed, swerved into the median to avoid the stopped red bobtail tractor. The blue truck struck a cable barrier before another semi-truck, also allegedly traveling at a high speed, failed to stop in time and crashed into the rear of the red bobtail tractor. The force of the impact caused both the red bobtail tractor and the semi-truck to catch fire.
The driver of the second semi-truck/trailer was reportedly trapped inside the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet identified the deceased driver. The driver of the red bobtail tractor managed to escape before the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, police said.
All southbound lanes of I-65 were blocked by the crash, and the interstate remains closed as of noon Tuesday for ongoing crash investigation and vehicle removal. Cleanup efforts have been complicated by repeated flare-ups from burning cargo, including peat moss. State officials say the roadway surface sustained significant damage and will require repairs before reopening. Traffic is being diverted at State Road 14 (exit 220), with alternate routes recommended via S.R. 55, U.S. 41 or U.S. 231.
Updates on the roadway status will be posted on @ISPLowell2 and @INDOTNorthwest social media channels.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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