Lake Station--
***UPDATE*** All lanes of I-80 at the 16 mile marker westbound are open. Crash debris has been removed however backups continue as traffic clears.
The crash that took place involved 5 vehicles. This crash was a secondary crash. Traffic had slowed for a previous crash at the 15.8 mile marker west bound. F/Sgt. Terrance Weems and Sgt. Dan Leslie were on scene of the first crash and their police cars parked on the shoulders with emergency lights activated. As traffic slowed for this crash, a semi-tanker owned by Lucas Landscape Nursery and driven by Robert D. Herley (58) of Kalamazoo, MI crested the hill at the 16 mile marker at a high rate of speed and rear ended a semi-trailer driven by Deibis R. Hernandez (45) of Lansing, MI. and owned by AW Family Enterprises LLC. This caused a chain reaction of events which included Herley's vehicle striking 2 additional vehicles and Hernandez's vehicle striking another passenger car. The other vehicles involved were a 2013 Chevrolet drivenn by Nicholas Hashu (27) of Chesterton, IN, a 2006 Chevrolet driven by Richard Ewing (56) of Toledo, OH and a 2012 Nissan driven by Leroy Collins (25) of Pekin, IL. Herley's tanker was filled with milk. Hernandez's trailer was filled with empty basket containers.
Mr. Herley was transported to Northlake Hospital in Gary with injuries as he was ejected from his semi. Mr. Herley was later flown to Christ Advocate in Oak Lawn for treatment. No other injuries were sustained by the other drivers.
The Indiana State Police would like to remind drivers and occupants of vehicles to use their seatbelts as required by law. Seatbelts have proven time and again in helping reduce injuries and in keeping occupants inside of vehicles during severe crashes. Secondary crashes are also often worse than the original crashes. For this reason motorists are reminded to avoid distractions, watch your speed and not to follow too closely.
Crash scene cleanup was completed by Bert's Towing.
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M/Trp. Glen Fifield
Indiana State Police
***UPDATE*** I-80 west bound at the 16 mile marker now has the right shoulder open. Traffic is able to proceed around the crash scene on the right shoulder . Motorists should use caution while passing the crash scene.
The roadway continues to be closed for crash investigation and scene cleanup.
Additional photos of the crash scene are attached.
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M/Trp. Glen Fifield
At this time all lanes of I-80 west bound at the 16 mile marker are closed at this time for a 5 vehicle injury crash. The 16 mile marker is 1/2 mile east of Lake Station in Lake County. Lake Station and Portage Fire Departments are on scene as well as Hoosier Helpers. All lanes will be closed for an undetermined amount of time for crash investigation and scene cleanup. Traffic is currently being diverted onto the Indiana Toll Road and S.R. 51. Travelers are encouraged to seek alternative routes and use caution if traveling near the scene. Eastbound traffic is also backing up due to emergency equipment parked on the left shoulder.
Updates will be forthcoming on driver and vehicle information as well as roadway status.
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M/Trp. Glen Fifield
Indiana State Police
District #13
