Full Notification

Wrong Way Driver Killed in Head On Crash on I-65

Greenwood, IN- A driver traveling SB in the NB lanes of I-65 at the 99.7 mm was killed early this afternoon after running head on into a NB semi-tractor trailer.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. Indiana state troopers were notified of personal injury crash on I-65 NB at the 99.7 mm (just north of the Greenwood Main Street Exit.) Arriving troopers found the wreckage engulfed in flames.

Preliminary investigation and witnesses statements reveal that a 2001 Dodge Ram pickup was traveling at a high rate of speed SB in the NB lane of I-65. The Dodge Ram was traveling in the NB left lane (passing lane.) This area of I-65 is under construction and has three lanes NB with a concrete median barrier separating SB traffic.

A 2015 Freightliner semi-tractor trailer, operated by Toby Klar, 50, of Nashville TN., was traveling NB in the middle lane. Information gained at the scene indicated the Dodge Ram abruptly turned into the path of the NB semi-tractor trailer causing a head on crash and the semi-tractor trailer to flip onto the passenger side. The semi-tractor trailer was hauling shelving and the load was not compromised. Klar was not injured.

The Dodge Ram continued SB and was struck by a passenger car before coming to rest against the concrete barrier wall and erupting in flames. The driver of the Dodge Ram was unable to escape and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Johnson County Coroner’s Office. Donald Whitney, 47, of Greenwood, the driver of a Ford Escape that struck the Dodge Ram, was transported to Methodist Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Two other vehicles involved in the crash sustained only property damage and neither the drivers nor passengers were injured.

Authorities are unsure at this time why the driver drove NB in the SB lane and the Investigation is continuing.

The identity of the deceased will be released when positive identification has been made by the Johnson County Coroner’s Office and the family notified.

The NB lanes of I-65 are closed while the wreckage is cleared.

Investigating Officers: Trooper Justin Hobbs, Sergeant Jason Miller, Trooper John Pang

Assisting Agencies: Greenwood Fire Department, Greenwood Police Department, Hix’s Wrecker Service, Johnson County Coroner’s Office.

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MYERS

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