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Indiana State Police-Versailles District 42-Versailles, IN
Tuesday January 5th, 2016 :: 07:13 p.m. EST

Community

Malfunctioning E-Cigarette Contributing Factor in Crash on I-65

Jackson County-On today’s date, at approximately 12:00 PM, troopers from the Sellersburg and Versailles Posts responded to a personal injury crash on I-65 northbound near the 35.5 mile marker at the Jackson/Scott County line where a malfunctioning electronic cigarette injured the driver and was a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the initial investigation by Sgt. Brian Wilson, a green 2010 Freightliner was being driven northbound on I-65 near the 35.5 mile marker by Christian Starasinich, 45, Orlando. FL.  Information gathered at the scene indicated that the electronic cigarette Starasinich was using malfunctioned and exploded.  Due to the device malfunctioning, Starasinich sustained injuries to his face.  Starasinich was unable to control the vehicle which then left the right side of the roadway before striking a guardrail and coming to a stop.  It is believed the injuries he sustained were a result of the device malfunctioning and not from the crash itself.

Starasinich was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of his injuries.  His condition is unknown at this time.  Traffic was slowed in the area for approximately two hours while the crash was cleaned up.

Sgt. Wilson was assisted at the scene by other troopers from the Versailles and Sellersburg posts, the Crothersville Fire Department, Scott County EMS, Seymour Mack Wrecker, 31 Wrecker, and the Indiana Department of Transportation.

The investigation is ongoing.

Attached:  Pictures of the Crash 

-30-                                          WHEELES

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Address/Location
Indiana State Police-Versailles District 42-Versailles, IN
902 South Adams Street
Versailles, IN 47042

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 812-689-5000

Sgt. Stephen Wheeles
Public Information Office, Versailles Post
[email protected]
812-571-4659

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