INDIANA — A passenger was killed after a driver crashed into the back of a parked semi tractor-trailer while intoxicated on Interstate 65 in northwest Indiana Friday evening, according to Indiana State Police.
Troopers responded around 7 p.m. April 17 to a two-vehicle crash on southbound I-65 in Newton, just north of State Road 10. The crash involved a semi tractor-trailer and a GMC Sierra pickup truck.
Preliminary information indicates the semi was parked on the outside shoulder of the interstate for an unknown reason when the GMC Sierra struck the rear driver’s side of the trailer.
The driver of the GMC Sierra, a 39-year-old man from Cedar Lake, was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. His passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi was not injured.
Authorities said the southbound lanes of I-65 were shut down for approximately three hours following the crash.
Investigators determined the driver of the pickup was operating the vehicle while intoxicated. He faces several preliminary charges, including operating while intoxicated causing death, reckless homicide, criminal recklessness resulting in death, and additional misdemeanor charges.
The driver was taken to the Newton County Jail. Officials noted that results of chemical tests for both drivers are pending.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash camera footage is asked to contact Indiana State Police.
