Full Notification

Indiana State Police Working Fatal Crash on the Indianapolis West Side

Marion Co., Indiana State Troopers from the Indianapolis Post is working a fatal crash on the west side of Indianapolis that occurred this afternoon.

This afternoon, December 19, at approximately 3:20 p.m., Indianapolis dispatch began receiving calls of a two vehicle head on crash on I-70 EB at the 73.3mm.

Preliminary investigation and witness statements reveled that Martha Southwick, 75, of Terre Haute, IN was operating a 2007 Dodge Caravan WB on I-70 at the 73.3 mm. According to the ISP crash reconstructionists, tire rub and wheel lug impressions on the right rear of the Caravan indicates a commercial motor vehicle made contact causing the van to veer to the right. The driver then overcorrected, crossed the grass median and struck an EB 2014 Chevrolet passenger car head on. The driver of the passenger car, Chasity Montavo, 41, of Greenwood, IN and her front seat male passenger were transported to Methodist Hospital in critical condition. Southwick, the only person in the van, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The commercial motor vehicle did not stop.

The right lane of I-70 EB at the scene of the crash was closed for approximately two and half hours while the crash was investigated and the wreckage cleared.

Anyone with information regarding this crash should contact Trooper Justin Geltmaker at the Indianapolis Post at 317-899-8577.

Investigating Officers: Trooper Justin Geltmaker, Trooper Philip Cooley, Trooper William Gannon and Sgt. Mark Helms

Assisting Agencies: Indiana Department of Transportation, Decatur Township Fire Department, and Marion County Corners Office.

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MYERS

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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