Jasper County-Speed too Fast for weather conditions on I-65 southbound near the 199 mile marker (that is two miles south of US 24/201 exit) shut down the roadway as cleanup continues.
Today at approximately 9:45 a.m. Lowell Regional Dispatch received information of a multi vehicle crash on I-65 that has shut down the southbound lanes. Sergeant Lee Wright explains that the roadway was covered with black ice and with the blowing snow and low temperatures was making driving difficult at the least. Numerous vehicles were sliding off the roadway and traffic had slowed when a black 1992 Peterbuilt pulling a flatbed trailer loaded with synthetic house siding for EMJ Transport out of Plainfield, IL allegedly traveling to fast was unable to avoid another semi slowed for traffic. The driver Juan Castaneda, 47 of Chicago drove into the back of one semi which started a chain reaction.
Five trucks and a van where involved in the crash. Bob Bhoompag 49, of Wheeling, IL and Mohammad Faisal 28, visiting from India were in the white Dodge van that was crushed between two semis. They were transported to Jasper County Hospital with non life threatening injuries and released. The van sustained heavy damage along with the Peterbuilt. All other vehicles received minor damage and drove away from the scene. The interstate is still closed as cleanup of the siding is taking the most time. One lane of I-65 should be open within the hour.
Castaneda was cited for Failing to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Collision. Assisting at the scene was the Jasper County EMS, Wolcott Fire and Rescue, Indiana Department of Transportation and Farney’s Wrecker Service.
Picture one is of the Dodge van and two is of the crash site.
Suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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