Full Notification

"Update"

***On August 4, 2016 I was notified that Trent F Yates had succumbed to his injuries. Family has been contacted.***  

Benton County-Today at approximately 2:40 p.m. on US 41 near CR 500 west (that is just north and west of Earl Park, IN), a passenger car rear ends a semitrailer sending the driver of the passenger car to the hospital. Preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Josh Edwards has revealed that a white 2005 Freightliner owned by Wayne Wilkins Trucking out of Vincennes, IN and pulling a refrigerated 2008 Wabash National Trailer hauling frozen chicken meat was slowing or stopped for a construction zone. A red 2012 GMC Arcadia driven by Trent F. Yates, 35 of Lafayette, was also northbound on US 41 but failed to reduce speed for the construction zone. The Arcadia rear ended the trailer causing damage to the axles of the trailer. The Arcadia spun into the right ditch where it came to rest pinning the driver. Yates had to be extricated from his vehicle. He was transported by Stat-Flite Helicopter to Carle Hospital in Champaign, IL with severe injuries. The driver of the semi, Jerome M. Klein, 37 of Vincennes was not hurt in the crash. US 41 was shut down for approximately three hours to remove the semi, transporting of the injured and cleaning up the crash scene. Assisting at the scene was the Richland Township Fire Department, Benton County EMS, Indiana State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Section and Bennett’s Towing. The investigation is continuing. It should be noted that construction signs were in place at the time of the crash. The signs extended at least one mile before the construction area. Motorist are encouraged to slow down and be alert when approaching construction signs for slowed or even stopped traffic. Reduce speed immediately when you enter a construction zone and keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Once you enter a construction zone, be aware of changing traffic patterns, speed reduction signs and most importantly, the construction workers who are improving the road you are traveling. If you are stopped, fines are higher in construction zones that a regular speeding ticket. Pay attention and save a life. Picture is of the GMC Arcadia. Suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. -30-