Wayne County officials responded to a multi‑vehicle crash on Interstate 70 on Monday afternoon that involved two semi‑trucks and two school buses. Indiana State Police reported that one semi rear‑ended another semi, pushing the second vehicle into the two buses traveling in the opposite lane.
Details of the collision
The impact occurred near the county’s eastern border, causing a chain‑reaction pileup that blocked both directions of the highway for several hours. Troopers confirmed that neither bus was operating under a school district contract and that no students were on board at the time of the crash.
Emergency crews arrived quickly, extracting the drivers from the wreckage. One semi driver was airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries and remains under intensive care. The driver of one of the school buses sustained a leg injury and was treated at the scene before being released.
Response and investigation
State police investigators are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the initial rear‑end collision. Preliminary statements suggest that the first semi may have experienced a sudden loss of control, but officials have not ruled out mechanical failure, driver fatigue, or adverse road conditions.
Wayne County Highway Patrol has deployed additional traffic control measures on I‑70 while the scene is cleared. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes, such as US‑35 and State Road 1, until the highway is fully reopened.
Impact on the community
Local residents expressed concern over the safety of commercial traffic on the interstate, which serves as a major freight corridor for the region. Parents whose children travel to schools in neighboring counties noted relief that no students were present, but emphasized the need for continued vigilance regarding road safety near school transportation routes.
Wayne County Emergency Management Director Karen Miller said, “Our first priority is the health and safety of everyone involved. We will keep the public informed as the investigation progresses and work with transportation officials to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
What’s next
Indiana State Police will release a full report once the investigation is complete, likely within the next several weeks. In the meantime, the Department of Transportation is reviewing traffic patterns on I‑70 to assess whether additional signage or speed‑limit adjustments are warranted.
Community members who witnessed the crash or have information that may assist investigators are encouraged to contact the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office at (812) 555‑0123.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
