Lake County – Interstate 65, at the 236 mile marker, was forced to shut down for an hour this afternoon when a semi tractor trailer was overturned, blocking all lanes. The crash happened 4 miles south of the exit for Lowell.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Eric Rot revealed that at approximately 3:35 p.m., Friday February 19, 2016, a blue 2016 Volvo semi, driven by Augustus Taylor, 43 of Indianapolis, IN, was overturned due to severe crosswinds. The semi and its trailer were flipped onto their driver side and slid to a stop blocking both driving lanes and both shoulders. The Volvo was empty at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Volvo suffered a laceration to his arm and was transported by ambulance to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Crown Point, IN. Had the driver not been wearing a seatbelt his injuries likely would have been much more severe.
Assisting with clean up and remove of the vehicle was Village Motors Towing. All lanes were reopened at 4:30 p.m.
This crash was one of several crashes related to severe crosswinds on Friday. Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) issued an advisory to driver to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Some counties issued travel advisories warning motorists of the hazardous travel conditions. Motorists looking to see the status of travel conditions are encouraged to go online and check their county’s status. Travel advisories can be found at the following website: http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/ or by contacting their local state police post.
Assisting: Master Trooper Glen Fifield, Lake County Sheriff's Department, Village Motors Towing.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Trooper Eric Rot
