Owen County—At 5:00 p.m. last evening, Indiana State Police and Owen County emergency agencies responded to a two-vehicle crash on US 231 near Deer Run Drive, Spencer. The crash killed one driver and injured four other persons.
Preliminary investigation revealed a southbound white 2004 Jeep Cherokee, driven by 28-year-old Jamie L. Luthe of Spencer, IN., appeared to have veered off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, and then began rolling over on the highway. During the time the Jeep was rolling over, a northbound 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, driven by 59-year-old Allen R. Davidson of Sandborn, IN., traveled into the ditch attempting to avoid the rolling vehicle, but was struck by the Jeep causing the Hyundai to roll onto the passenger side. At this time, the reason Luthe’s vehicle left the roadway is unknown to investigators.
Jamie L. Luthe was ejected from her vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene from multiple injuries. Her two young sons were in the rear seat area of the Jeep and were extricated by bystanders prior to the Jeep catching fire. Lucas Luthe, age 6, of Spencer, IN was airlifted to Riley Children’s Hospital with head and leg injuries. Ethan Luthe, age 4, Spencer, IN., was also airlifted to Riley Children’s Hospital for head injuries. Both were airlifted from the scene.
Allen R. Davidson was transported to Putnam County Hospital for treatment of head laceration and hand injury. His passenger, Karla Hinkel, age 61, of Greencastle, IN. was also transported to Putnam County Hospital for chest injury and lacerations.
Toxicology test results are pending.
“Proper installation and usage of the boy’s car seats were directly responsible for saving their lives”, stated investigating trooper Randall Van Arsdale of the Bloomington Post.
Assisting were Owen County Sheriff’s Office, Owen County Coroner’s Office, Owen County EMS, Cloverdale Fire/Rescue, Air Evac air ambulance, and IU Health air ambulance.
No pictures available.
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