Chain Reaction Crash Claims Life Of Reelsville Man On I-70

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TERRE HAUTE, IndIndiana State Police have released more information on a chain reaction crash between two semi tractor-trailers and five passenger vehicles. The crash happened just before 10 a.m. Saturday (3/16/19) on Interstate 70 westbound at the 11 mile marker.

This was the first of two fatal crashes in that area Saturday.

Troopers say that a Trooper who was already in the area helping to slow traffic due to an earlier accident at the 10 mile marker.

That Trooper said that semi tractor-trailer, driven by 70 year old Pierre St. Jean, Quebec, Canada was traveling westbound on Interstate 70 in the passing lane when he failed to slow for other traffic that had slowed or stopped  and struck an SUV pulling a camper trailer and then slammed into a Buick driven by 20 year old  Morgan Johnson, of Reelsville, Indiana.

Morgan’s vehicle was pushed into the back of a stationary semi tractor-trailer causing it to burst into flames killing him.

Another vehicle swerved into the median to try and avoid the collisions.

Pierre St. Jean’s truck eventually stopped when it slammed into another semi tractor-trailer which then was pushed into the rear of an SUV that was pushed into another car.

This seven vehicle, chain reaction crash sent three individuals to Terre Haute Regional Hospital with non life-threatening injuries, in addition to killing Morgan.

The investigation is ongoing. When the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a contributing factor of the crash.

 

Saturday fatal crash photo courtesy ISP accident 1
Saturday fatal crash photo courtesy ISP accident 1
Saturday fatal crash photo courtesy ISP accident 1
Saturday fatal crash photo courtesy ISP accident 1