Full Notification

New Castle – A crash on I-70 last evening just west of the New Castle exit sent two to the hospital, one with internal injuries. The crash occurred just after 11:30 last night in the area of I-70 east bound at the 121 mile marker when a semi drove off the right side of the road and struck an occupied disabled vehicle.

Preliminary investigation revealed the 2013 Freightliner, driven by Brian Blasko of Vandalia, Ohio, drifted out of the driving lane onto the emergency strip after he reportedly saw a deer in the median. The semi struck an occupied 2001 Chevy Blazer that was disabled on the emergency strip with no lights on.

The Blazer, occupied by Patricia Hubert, age 65 of New Castle, was knocked over an embankment off the roadway. Hubert was taken by medical helicopter to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis with internal injuries. Blasko was taken to Henry County Hospital with a wrist injury.

I-70 was blocked at the scene for over an hour with east bound traffic being diverted off onto SR 109 at the Knightstown exit.

Deer are generally more active in the early morning (pre-dawn) hours or the hours just after dusk but could be on the move at anytime. .

Motorists should take the following precautions when driving in rural areas to avoid having a crash involving a deer:

•When possible use high beam headlights at night and be aware that deer could be standing on or near the side of the roadway.
•Drivers should watch approaching vehicles and observe what may break their headlights beams; it could be a passing deer. This technique allows extra time to slow your speed and be alert for the deer.
•Watch for reflections from the deer’s eyes.
•Where there is one deer there are often several. Do not assume you missed the deer because more could follow. BE ALERT!
•If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch it. A frightened or wounded deer can cause you serious bodily injury. Remain in your car, make sure you and your passengers are safe, and call the police to obtain a crash report for your insurance company. You should report this as you would any other crash.
•Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up!

For more information concerning deer habits, population, and trends in your area contact your local conservation officer or the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife at http://www.in.gov/dnr/ or call 317-232-4200.
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