Ripley County-This morning, at approximately 1:30 am, the Indiana State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on US 50 at County Road 300 West that resulted in the death of three people.
The initial investigation by Trooper Nicholas Albrecht and Sergeant Philip D’Angelo indicates that a 2003 Buick passenger car being driven by Andre N. Devant, age 31, Cincinnati, Ohio was traveling southbound on County Road 300 West, approaching US 50. Devant allegedly disregarded the stop sign at the intersection and pulled into the path of a 2007 International semi hauling a flatbed trailer loaded with sheets of drywall that was traveling eastbound on US 50. The semi, being driven by Alexander K. Benge, age 37, Shoals, Indiana struck the passenger side of Devant’s vehicle. The collision forced both vehicles to leave the roadway and roll before coming to a stop.
As a result of the collision, Devant along with passengers, Margaret A. Guinn, age 27, and Aaliyah Guinn, age 3, both of Cincinnati, Ohio received fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Ripley County Coroner. Benge was initially trapped in his vehicle before being transported to Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville, Indiana for treatment of his injuries. Benge has since been released from the hospital.
The roadway in the area of the crash was closed for nearly ten hours for crash investigation and cleanup. One lane remained closed for much of the day. This crash remains under investigation.
The families of the victims in the crash have been notified.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, Ripley County EMS, Versailles and Holton Fire Departments, and the Ripley County Coroner’s Office.
-30- SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
