Crothersville-Yesterday afternoon, at approximately 4:00 pm, the Indiana State Police responded to a three vehicle crash on I-65 southbound near the 38 mile marker in Jackson County that resulted in six people being treated for injuries.
The initial investigation by Trooper Matt Holley indicated that a 2015 Kia Forte being driven Ernest J. Pagels, Jr., age 53, Waukesha, WI, was traveling southbound on I-65 near the 38 mile marker when, for an unknown reason, Pagels’ vehicle suddenly slowed. A southbound 2012 Dodge van, being driven by April K. Bickel, age 41, Elwood, IN swerved to avoid striking Pagels’ vehicle. Bickel’s vehicle was then struck in the rear by a 2004 Mercury passenger car being driven by Jeffery L. Ireland, age 59, Concord, NC.
As a result of the collision, Ireland was treated for minor injuries. Bickel was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of her injuries. The extent of her injuries is unknown at this time. The four children in Bickel’s vehicle all suffered serious injuries. An 8 year old female, 6 year old female, and 2 year old male were all air lifted to Kosair Children’s Hospital, Louisville, KY for treatment of critical life-threatening injuries. A 4 year old female in Bickel’s vehicle was transported to Kosair Children’s Hospital by ambulance for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash at this time. The southbound lanes of I-65 near the 38 mile marker were closed for approximately two hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
The investigation is ongoing.
Trp. Holley was assisted by numerous troopers from the Indiana State Police Versailles and Sellersburg Posts, the Jackson Sheriff’s Department, Vernon Township Fire Department, and Jackson County EMS.
-30- SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES
