Clay County—At approximately 6:30 this evening, Indiana State Police and Clay County emergency agencies responded to a commercial vehicle crash in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the 25 mile marker. The driver sustained what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.
Preliminary investigation revealed a westbound 2007 Freightliner, pulling a trailer loaded with batteries, failed to stop for stationary traffic from an earlier crash near the 22mm. The driver, Rodney Hudlin, age 42, Dayton, Ohio lost control of his tractor-trailer while attempting to avoid stopped traffic and struck the bridge railing. The tractor-trailer then caught fire and was subsequently extinguished by members of Posey and Jackson Township Fire Departments.
CARE ambulance transported Hudlin to St. Vincent-Clay Hospital in Brazil for treatment of what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.
The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper David Cox Jr. Assisting were ISP Troopers Jonathan Cumbie, Yan Dravigne, and Ted Robertson, ISP Sergeant Joe Rutledge, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Curtis Wrecker Service.
INDOT officials are on the scene determining the damage to the bridge and any safety concerns. Both westbound lanes are currently closed. Unknown when they will open. Traffic is currently routed north on US 231 to US 40 Westbound in Putnam County.
Questions concerning the bridge damage should be directed to INDOT officials. One lane may be open very soon. Please contact the Putnamville Post for inquiries on road opening at 765-653-4114.
The attached picture is from the scene.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
-30-
WATTS
