Jackson County: This afternoon a two semi crash caused a major traffic problem on I-65 in Jackson County. According to Master Trooper Kevin Riordan, at approximately 1:15 this afternoon a 2012 Volvo semi tractor pulling a box trailer driven by 35 year old Aleksey Afonin of Auburn, WA was northbound on I-65 near the 53 mile marker when an air ride suspension failure occurred causing the semi tractor to shake violently. The driver thought he’d blown a left front tire and began slowing quickly in the left lane and simultaneously pulling the semi over to the right lane and then onto the emergency lane. A second semi behind the Volvo was able to slow and avoid crashing into the Volvo. A third semi, a 2013 Mack semi (UPS truck) pulling a set of double trailers driven by 61 year old Clarence Sherrod of Indianapolis swerved to avoid crashing into the second semi and the rear trailer rolled into the median striking the cable barrier then came back across the lanes and struck the cab of the Volvo causing lane blockage in the right lane. Although no injuries resulted from this crash, traffic was restricted to one lane and both lanes had to be closed for nearly an hour so the overturned trailer could be up righted. As a result of the backup, a secondary crash occurred south of the scene on I-65. I-65 was re-opened at about 5:00 p.m. The crash remains under investigation.
Assisting M/Tpr. Riordan were other troopers, Seymour Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Media note: The secondary crash that occurred during the backup was investigated by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Any media inquiries regarding this crash should be directed to that agency.
