Porter County-Yesterday at approximately 7:59 p.m. CST on I-80 westbound near the 41.9 mile marker (that is approximately 3 miles east of the US 421/Michigan City exit) a semi side swipes a second semi sending one to the hospital.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Luis Ruiz has revealed that a 2000 green Freightliner owned by J&J Motor Service and driven by Gerard R. Normand 57 of Oak Park, IL was WB in the left lane on the interstate. It is believed Normand suffered some type of medical condition causing the Freightliner to sideswipe a white 2007 Volvo semi pulling a 2001 Great Dane trailer in the right lane, driven by 64 year old John W. Burton. The Freightliner then went down into the ditch where it came to rest.
There was little damage done to the Volvo and the trailer was not damaged. Burton was not injured in the crash. Normand was airlifted by Med-Flight and transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital with life –threatening injuries. The westbound lanes were shut down for approximately four hours for cleanup, removal of the injured and re-construction of the crash. Eastbound was shut down for approximately 30 minutes for landing and taking off of the medical helicopter. The crash is still under investigation.
Assisting at the scene were troopers form the Toll Road district.
Sorry, I have no photos.
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RILEY
