Columbus-Today at approximately, 12:05 pm, the Indiana State Police responded to a three vehicle crash on I-65 southbound near the 68 mile marker. A Nashville, Indiana woman was killed in the crash and two other Nashville, Indiana residents from the same vehicle suffered life threatening injuries and were transported to an Indianapolis area hospital by medical helicopter.
The initial investigation by Trooper Matt Holley indicated that traffic was slow in the area due to a previous overturned semi tractor-trailer on I-65 southbound near the 64 mile marker that occurred earlier this morning.
A 2016 International semi pulling a full size trailer, being driven by Charledrix N. Green, age 35, Atlanta, Georgia that was traveling southbound on I-65 near the 68 mile marker had slowed for the stopped traffic. A 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, being driven by Randall F. Brown, age 52, Nashville, Indiana was southbound behind Green’s vehicle and had also slowed for the stopped traffic. A 2011 Volvo tanker truck, being driven by Jon W. Harris, age 54, Crawfordsville, Indiana was traveling southbound following Brown’s vehicle. For an unknown reason, Harris was not able to stop before striking the rear of Brown’s vehicle. The force of the collision pushed Brown’s vehicle into the back of Green’s vehicle.
As a result of the collision, Brown along with an unidentified female front seat passenger and a rear passenger, identified as Melissa S. Morris, age 47, Nashville, Indiana were entrapped in the vehicle. Morris sustained fatal injuries in the crash. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office. The Columbus Fire Department worked diligently for over an hour to free Brown and the second passenger from the vehicle. They were both flown by Lifeline Helicopter to an Indianapolis area hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries.
Green and his passenger along with Harris were transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Southbound lanes of I-65 were closed for over four hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
Toxicology results are pending at this time on all drivers involved in the crash. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors at this time. The unidentified passenger in Brown’s vehicle has possibly been identified but her identity will not be released until it is verified.
The investigation is ongoing.
Trp. Holley was assisted by numerous other troopers and motor carrier inspectors with the Indiana State Police, the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Columbus Fire Department, Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office, Columbus Regional EMS, Lifeline Helicopter, and 31 Wrecker.
-30- SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES
