Lowell, Lake County-A fiery crash, early this morning, ended in the death of the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Preliminary investigation by Indiana State Police Trooper Justin Hansen revealed, at approximately 5:06 a.m., Sunday, February 22, 2015, morning, he responded to a single vehicle crash on I-65 south bound at the 239.5 mile marker (this is just south of the Lowell exit). The vehicle, a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, had ran off the roadway to the right for unknown reasons, hit an Indiana Department of Transportation informational sign, then hit some trees and brush that are located 20-30 feet west of the roadway. When Trooper Hansen arrived the Eclipse was already on fire. Hansen tried to put out the fire with his fire extinguisher to no avail while waiting for the Lowell Fire Department to arrive. It did not appear at the time that there was anyone inside of the vehicle but Trooper Hansen, a Good Samaritan, and Lake County Sheriff Department, searched the wooded/brush area in case the driver had been ejected or had tried to flee the area or was injured.
After the Lowell Fire Department put out the fire it was discovered that there was a sole occupant on the passenger floor board who had died. That person was pronounced at the scene by a deputy with the Lake County Coroner’s office.
Positive identification has not been made; until then no name will be released.
The right lane was closed for investigation of the crash, removal of the deceased and vehicle. It was reopened at approximately 8:15 a.m.
Assisting: Good Samaritan, Lake County Sheriff Department, Lake County Coroner’s office, Lowell EMS and Fire Department
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pictures are of the burnt vehicle
