BOONE COUNTY — One person died Sunday night in a crash involving two semi tractor-trailers and three passenger vehicles on Interstate 65 near Whitestown.
First responders were dispatched at about 10:30 p.m. to a fully engulfed semi tractor-trailer fire near the 131.8 mile marker on I-65 southbound, Whitestown Police Department Captain John Jurkash said in a news release.
Investigators determined the driver of one semi tractor-trailer slowed due to construction projects on I-65, which led to another semi driver colliding into the rear of the trailer.
"The impact of the collision started the fire, which quickly spread, engulfing the semi tractor-trailer," Jurkash said.
Jurkash said the collision created a second crash involving three passenger vehicles, in which one person was killed. The victim has not been identified. No other injuries were reported.
The Boone County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team is investigating the incident, but alcohol is not believed to be a contributing factor.
The crash closed both the southbound and northbound lanes of I-65. The southbound lanes were expected to reopen at about 9 a.m. Monday, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.
I-65 southbound remains closed in Boone County due to a serious crash overnight. This is at the 131 mile marker, cleanup continues and it is anticipated to reopen around 9 this morning. pic.twitter.com/BVanb7gTQ8
— INDOT West Central (@INDOT_WCentral) August 3, 2020
